Best picture books, chapter books, young adult books, graphic novels and non fiction for kids.
I thought this article, What makes a good Newbery novel?, from The Horn Book really nailed the definition of a Newbery book: “At the heart of every Newbery is a remarkable character.” “Rich, textured, fascinating worlds — stages on which wonderfully original characters can play. And live out their usually most unusual lives.” “Character and…
I made a mid-year Caldecott and Geisel 2019 Prediction list (which is new for me! I’m normally not that organized to get a list out mid-year!). I haven’t read enough easy readers to add to my Geisel list but I did judge the first round Cybils Awards Picture Books and Board Books. I read about…
Cape Ann Museum featured The Little House, the beloved picture book by Virginia Lee Burton (1909-1968). This was in celebration of the book’s 75th publication anniversary. In addition to Burton’s drawings, book illustrations, and prints, an artfully-created scale model of her “Little House.” The Japanese were also drawn to this book. My husband and I thought that…
I’ve loved judging the first round Cybils Awards for picture books and board books. There were more than 300 books to read, but it’s been a pleasure to read outstanding books that I hadn’t encountered earlier in the year. If you don’t know how this award works, anyone can nominate one book in each category….
It was a treat to see Tui T. Sutherland present at The Writers’ Loft. Her presentation was about writing so I thought the event was for adults. My son is a huge fan of her series Wings of Fire so I thought I would be sneaky and bring him along. He’s 13-years-old and has been…
This is my first time judging the Cybils Picture Book and Board Book First Round Long List, but my fourth time as a judge in the Graphic Novel and Easy Reader/Early Chapter Book categories. If you don’t know about the Cybils, it’s a children’s and young adult book award by book bloggers. The Cybils Awards…
The recent family separation of some 14,000 children is not a new policy for the United States. Involuntary assimilation was a policy during the late 19th century when the U.S. and Canadian governments forced nearly 150,000 Native American and Indigenous children into Residential Schools reminiscent of Oliver Twist’s orphanage. In fact, the Residential Schools’ conditions were…
Did you know that picture book authors and illustrators do not communicate until the project is completed? I think it’s to give the illustrator some creative space to bring the words to life. No one likes to be micromanaged by someone else’s vision. My debut picture book, SUMO JOE, with illustrator Nat Iwata is not…
My Book List of Lists by Category Each book list below is a list of lists. There are 300+ book lists for kids and teens that I’ve made, cross-categorized. Click on the blue text to see the list. Please let me know if you are having trouble finding a book or topic. I will either email…