Graphic Novelist Christine Suggs and S&L Marketing Coordinator Amber Mercado discuss the multiracial experience, the struggles of learning another language, the art in AY MIJA, and more! Credits:The following music was used for this media project:Music: Verano Sensual by Kevin MacLeodFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5049-verano-sensualLicen…

“This bright start to a Greek mythology–inspired fantasy series blazes with intense, vibrant imagery and crackles with lively, humorous character dynamics…moments of levity balance the suspenseful drama of a world facing impending peril and the sensitive exploration of June’s sexuality, anxiety, and loneliness….Vivid and mythical.”—Kirkus Reviews, …

Ami Polonsky's middle grade novel, THE WORLD MADE OF GLASS, is off to a great start with four starred reviews already. We are honored to have her on as a guest on the podcast as she discusses her how she takes young readers back to the 1980s AIDS epidemic and shows how anyone can get involved in activism no matter their age.…

In this emotional episode, author and illustrator Kindra Neely discusses with Oregonian Victoria Stapleton, Neely's graphic memoir, NUMB TO THIS. NUMB TO THIS depicts the aftermath of the Umpqua Community College shooting and details Kindra's journey towards healing through art."Neely astutely asserts the importance of hopeful defiance in the face …

Debut Author Amina Luqman-Dawson talks to us about the research behind her empowering historical middle-grade novel about Homer who flees Southerland Plantation and finds a secret maroon community called Freewater, created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children.FREEWATER has five starred reviews and is available now! A free discussi…

Bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley tells us about her new picture book series starring Keyana, the original protagonist from her modern classic, I Love My Hair! In this book, Keyana's latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there’s a lot …

Happy Picture Book Month! We have a special episode featuring the hilarious Laurie Keller discussing her book, WAKE ME UP IN 20 COCONUTS. This silly book teaches the important message that it's okay to say "I don't know"!Av LB School & Library

Just in time for Spooky Season, Andrew Nance guest stars on this episode of the LBYR School & Library Podcast! He talks ghost stories, podcasts, writing for middle grade, and Alfred Hitchcock with S&L Marketing Coordinator, Amber Mercado.Odd Occurrences is available now wherever books are sold! ISBN:9780316334334Two best friends. One goes missing. …

Pura Belpré Honoree Laekan Zea Kemp is back! We discuss the power of music, the importance of mental health, and her sophomore YA novel, HEARTBREAK SYMPHONY! Heartbreak Symphony Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64g0dGDu4a5cdI79IZdnip?si=26768ed9810546dd ★ "Kemp eloquently captures how the warmth and strength of a community of mentors can…

New York Times bestselling author April Henry has written another thrilling mystery for young adults, TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE. This episode, April fills us in on this bone-chilling murder-mystery she's crafted about a group of theatre kids trapped in a motel with a murderer during a blizzard. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never …

Award-winning Ghanaian-German author, Mamle Wolo takes the time to talk with Executive Director Victoria Stapleton about her new middle grade novel, The KAYA GIRL. The tale of two girl who form an unlikely and powerful friendship that transcends their social inequities and opens up new worlds to them both.★ "Wolo’s book gives readers an opportunity…

Author/Illustrator talks to Victoria Stapleton about his clever twist on Little Red Riding Hood, in which a boy who loves his frilly, swishy riding hood turns the tables on a big, bad, bullying wolf!Av LB School & Library

Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell debuts his first early reader series about two best friends who are as different from each other as can be.★ "Cornbread and Poppy are endearing characters, poised to join the ranks of other memorable early reader sets of best friends old and new, including James Marshall's George and Martha, Laurel Snyder's Charli…

Barry Lyga discusses TIME WILL TELL by LB School & LibraryAv LB School & Library

From bestselling author Samira Ahmed comes a thrilling and magical adventure intertwining Islamic legend and history, perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the Land of Stories."As compelling as it is informative. Even readers who don’t believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star." — Kirkus, Starred Review"A fast-paced adventure with heart an…

Bestselling author Chuck Wendig's middle grade debut is equal parts spooky, funny, and heartfelt—perfect for Halloween and year-round reading! A fun adventure about rival siblings running a monster mortuary.*"Playing to strengths demonstrated in his many comics and tales for older audiences, not only is Wendig a dab hand at concocting extremely cre…

In this emotional and powerful episode, LBYR's Victoria Stapleton discusses with author Marcie Colleen her new picture book, SURVIVOR TREE. The hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on Am…

Playwright and author of Captain Superlative, J. S. Puller, discusses with LBSchool's Victoria Stapleton the healing and imaginative world in her middle grade book, THE LOST THINGS CLUB. ★ "An important title for social workers, parents, and educators about the critical role art and imagination can play in healing and bringing people together."—Sch…

LBSchool's Victoria Stapleton talks to author Marcy Campbell on how to tell a difficult story when words are not enough.★ "The honest, matter-of-fact narration places readers squarely in the shoes of the child in the troubled class and offers multiple ways to look at one’s roles in the world and in one’s communities....A valuable conversation start…

“Intense, unflinching…a gratifying story.” —Kirkus Reviews“A devastating and beautiful read that clearly shows the complexities of addiction, fear, love, and friendship.” —SLJ“A gratifying story of a young woman’s path to recovering pieces of her past self through a present laced with pain.” —BooklistIn this gritty, heart-wrenching mystery, prose a…

⭑ "Positive, powerful, and affirming." —Kirkus⭑ "Truly delightful." —BooklistFrom a New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott-honor winning artist comes an exuberant illustrated story about playing dress up, having fun, and feeling free.The boy loves to be naked. He romps around his house naked and wild and free. Until he romps into his paren…

"Compelling... This story will find an audience in teens with a sense of wanderlust and an itch for adventure." —SLJWith natural disasters and nuclear war threatening their small town, two twin brothers find themselves enraptured by mysterious music that could change the course of their lives.Everyone in Clade City knows their days are numbered. Th…

⭑ "Debut author Aleman was born in Mexico and his writing is stellar, clear and emotional, realistic and suspenseful. The story is complex and heart-wrenching, yet full of hope and familial love, making this an excellent choice even for younger YA readers." —BooklistThis timely, moving debut novel follows a teen's efforts to keep his family togethe…

A darkly rich tapestry of twisted magic, deadly consequences, and riveting stakes. —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of the Belles seriesReeling from betrayal at the hands of the Whispers, Renata Convida is a girl on the run. With few options and fewer allies, she's reluctantly joined forces with none other than Prince Castian, …

⭑ "Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo’s With the Fire on High (2019) will cherish Xander and Pen’s love story and Pen’s passion for food. This stellar debut offers a cathartic take on a relationship between a father and daughter. Authentic flavor inside and out." —Kirkus, starred reviewI'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this st…

Kathleen Lane discusses her new book for middle graders, PITY PARTY.⭑ " All the varied moods and textures of these pieces come together into an original, convincing, spot-on, and weirdly moving collage portrait of middle-school-age insecurities, anxieties, awkwardness, and interpersonal dynamics." —The Horn Book⭑ "Lane has written a heartfelt and r…

A. J. Sass discusses his debut middle grade novel, ANA ON THE EDGE.★ "Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. ...Sensitive and realistic."—BooklistFor fans of George and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, a heartfelt coming of age story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary w…

★ "Youngblood's debut is a celebration of intergenerational family bonds. Readers in co-parenting or blended families especially will relate to the conflicts between Georgie's loving but imperfect parents. An openhearted, endearing, and unforgettable debut about the challenges of friendship, growing up, and the boundless love of family." —Kirkus Re…

Christiane M. Andrews discusses the power and importance of art, building empathy, stargazy pies, and her debut middle grade novel, SPINDLEFISH AND STARS.★ "An epic tale of abandonment, travel, secrets, family, and the meaning of art.... Exquisite in detail.... A tapestry, both humble and rich." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "A lyrical debut exp…

Set in a lushly drawn world inspired by Inquisition Spain, Zoraida Córdova’s hotly anticipated new fantasy is an epic tale of love and revenge perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas.As a memory thief, the rarest and most feared of the magical Moria, Renata was used by the crown to carry out the King’s Wrath, a siege that resulted in the …

Melanie Conklin discusses her latest middle grade novel for middle, EVERY MISSING PIECE.A stunning voice-driven novel about grief, family, and putting the pieces back together for “fans of Rebecca Stead and Erin Entrada Kelly” (BCCB) and “readers who enjoyed The Thing About Jellyfish (Booklist).Maddy Gaines sees danger everywhere she looks: at the …

Hatchet meets Long Way Down in this heartfelt and gripping novel in verse about a young girl’s struggle for survival after a climbing trip with her father goes terribly wrong.★ "Elements of the survival story and psychological thriller combine with strong symbolism to weave a winding, focused, stunning narrative.... An edge-of-your-seat read." —Kir…

From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.★ "A powerful work and must-have for children's collections." —Bookl…

Zetta Elliott discusses her poetry collection, SAY HER NAME.Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating …

Mark Tatulli discusses his influences, why graphic novels are great to read, and his own graphic novels SHORT & SKINNY and THE BIG BREAK.Av LB School & Library

A sensitive, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful novel in verse about one girl’s journey in the aftermath of abuse.One day after school, on the couch in the basement, Tori’s uncle did something bad. Afterward, Tori tells her mom. Even though telling was a brave thing to do, her mom still doesn’t believe her at first. Her grandma still takes his side.…

A 2020 Junior Library Guild SelectionThree-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recipient Greg Pizzoli launches a full-color graphic novel series about four funny friends that Dav Pilkey declares “will inspire young readers to write and draw their own stories”!Meet Baloney! He’s the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the h…

Monica Hesse joins the LB School podcast to discuss historical fiction, writing about post war Europe, and more.★ "Excellent ... a must-purchase." —SLC★ "Hesse again proves to be a master of verisimilitude ... beautifully realized, highly empathetic ... superbly crafted." —BCCB★ "Compelling.” —PW★ "A heartbreaking and heartwarming story of survival…

Av LB School & Library

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas studies how people of color are portrayed, or not portrayed, in children’s and young adult literature, and how those portrayals shape our culture. You can find her on Twitter at @Ebonyteach and learn more about her work at https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/faculty-directory/thomas.…

Donalyn Miller is a reader, a teacher, an author, a Book Whisperer, a #nerdybookclub co-founder, and the #bookaday founder. You can find her on Twitter at @donalynbooks and on her website at https://bookwhisperer.com/.Av LB School & Library

The breath-taking finale to the epic New York Times bestseller, The Diviners, from Printz winner and beloved author Libba Bray hits shelves on February 4, 2020. Here she speaks to Victoria Stapleton about the series.Av LB School & Library

Publishers Weekly Most Anticipated Children's Books of Fall 2019A Fall 2019 Kids' Indie Next List⭐ "Perfection." —School Library Journal⭐ "How wonderful: a book with both racial diversity and class diversity that feels authentic. Special and splendid." —Kirkus Reviews⭐ "The family handles the stress of dashed expectations in a way that acknowledges…

Todd Parr is love, and we LOVE Todd Parr. In this podcast he discusses his book, Teachers Rock! Check out everything Todd Parr here: https://www.toddparr.com/Av LB School & Library

Marc Favreau returns to the LB School podcast to discuss his new book, Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia. Listen on for insights about writing nonfiction for young adults and what history can teach us about our present and future.★ "Favreau weaves vivid, succinct accounts of the volatile U.S.-Soviet relationship into his tension…

Ronni Davis discusses her debut YA novel, WHEN THE STARS LEAD TO YOU. "Fans of Sarah Dessen and Nicholas Sparks need look no further than Davis' debut for their next book crush." —Booklist"Debut author Davis provides a new take on the archetypal first love novel by tackling the impact of mental health, race, and class wars. A moving love story, tim…

New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed was the opening keynote speaker for School Library Journal's Teen Live event in 2019. Here, she discusses her acclaimed novel INTERNMENT, the power of libraries, and what representation means in YA fiction. Download the audiobook for INTERNMENT here:iTunes: https://apple.co/2N0apvEGoogle: http://bit.ly…

"Baughman convincingly portrays the varied reactions to the findings as well as everybody's desire for the lake to thrive...Compassionately told, this compelling debut brings to life conservation issues and choices young readers will confront as adults." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)______A remarkable debut novel that takes readers on a journey …

* "Kindness is revealed to be the best answer to embarrassment and anger in this funny take on peeing your pants." —Kirkus, starred review* "A quick study in how saving face can be a team effort." —Booklist, starred review* "A comedy that is both laugh-out-loud off-kilter and deeply humane." —Publishers Weekly, starred review____________________In …

In Jason Platt’s debut graphic novel, Ferris Bueller meets Calvin and Hobbes in this hilarious and embarrassing middle school caper that asks the important questions–like how long can one kid vamp before he embarrasses himself in front of his whole school?Newell is always getting into trouble–whether it’s showing up tardy for most of the year, or m…