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Best Sellers: Children's Middle Grade Books Books | Penguin Random House

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Best Sellers: Children's Middle Grade Books Books | Penguin Random House

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Browse our latest titles in the Children's Middle Grade Books Best Sellers category to discover your next read from PenguinRandomHouse.com

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1000 Best Middle Grade Books - Imagination Soup

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1000 Best Middle Grade Books - Imagination Soup

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There are so many middle grade books, it can be hard to pick the best ones for your readers. Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or grandparent, I will help you find the best middle-grade books to recommend, read aloud, and share with kids ages 9 to 12. I've read and chosen all of the books on these lists with expertise, intention, and care using my background as a teacher with an M.A. in Education, mother of two, and book reviewer.

But first, what is a middle grade book?

Middle grade books are books written for children who are ages 9 to 12 years old. These are kids in upper elementary school and middle school. In the United States, this generally means grades 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Interestingly enough, middle grade is a relatively new term, something that didn't exist when I started my teaching career 30 years ago. But I'm glad it exists. The term helps differentiate literature specifically written to be comprehensible and appropriate for kids in upper elementary and middle school.

MG literature writing includes narrative prose, novels in verse, expository and other nonfiction texts, poetry, and graphic novels. In other words, any book written for the tween age group.

Young readers of middle grade (MG) books like to read about protagonists who are their age or a year or two older. So you can expect to find MG characters who are tweens, around ages 10 to 13 years old.
MG books differ from the beginning character books in several ways: they have a more dramatic storyline and character arc, they are longer lengths than a chapter book, and they usually do not contain illustrations.
Chapter books are books with chapters for beginning readers in early elementary grades 1 to 3 or 4. Plus, they're written at an easier reading level around 1st - 3rd grades with significantly less of a word count. Usually, chapter books are between 3,000 to 10,000 words.

Conversely, middle grade books are a greater length, generally about 30,000 to 50,000 words. That being said, some authors like Torrey Maldonado write shorter contemporary novels, and others, like the 2023 Newbery winner Amina Luqman-Dawson, wrote longer historical fiction novel. What does that mean for page count? Most MG books are about 200 - 300 pages, but it varies.

MG readers choose books about themes that resonate with their own lives and that introduce them to the larger world. Expect to see themes like identity, friendship, family, growing up, belonging, mental health, kindness, feelings, accepting differences, death, and grief. Look for books that explore important issues like immigration, bullying, and racism. Even fantasy stories like Harry Potter tackle the themes of growing up and figuring out who you are, even if you're trying to see the world and be a better magician.

Themes are the general concept behind the book, and within themes are different storylines, topics, and plots. The topics in middle grade can be complex but don't stray into the maturity levels (or language) of YA books. You'll find MG children's books topics such as divorce, frienemies, managing a learning disability, or coping with anxiety. This can be present in any genre, including historical fiction, science fiction, and mystery.

The truth is young readers will always love funny stories. Kids love to laugh, so hilarious, silly stories will always be appealing to readers of this age group. As I always tell parents, any reading counts as real reading.

Lastly, middle grade books differ quite a bit from young adult (YA) fiction books in themes, topics, reading level, language, and word count. YA books are meant for teenagers ages 13 and up because they often tackle mature issues like relationships, drugs, sexuality, or violence. In other words, content that is not appropriate for younger children. I find these YA topics more often in contemporary/realistic fiction than fantasy, so if you have a young advanced reader who wants to read a YA book, often the fantasy or science fiction is a better choice than a romance or realistic novel. Not always, of course.

Truthfully, the upper end of middle grade represents middle school books that start delving into more complex and mature topics but are still appropriate for readers at this age. Every reader is different, so read my reviews to find out if I have any maturity or content warnings.

What makes a great middle grade book?

The best middle grade books are about relatable themes and topics to middle schoolers and kids in upper elementary grades such as the ones listed above. (Friendship, family, belonging, racism, bullying, identity, and so forth.)

In addition, good middle grade literature for kids must have memorable characters, emotional resonance, compelling and interesting storylines, excellent writing, perfect pacing, a strong voice, and diversity that reflects the world around us.

Also, you'll know what your children's or students' favorite middle grade books are because they'll read the book more than once. Or read the series more than once. Every child will prefer some books over others. That's okay. They're forming their opinions and growing into themselves. There is a book (or 100) for everyone.

Who am I to tell you about middle grade books?

I grew up without a television (or neighbors or sports), so my childhood was filled with books! My goal in life from an early age was to read every book in the library. (Spoiler: I didn't. But I did read a lot of books, and each year, I went alphabetically through the library.)

Meanwhile, my passion for children's books grew from a childhood love into a career, first as a teacher and literacy trainer and now as a book reviewer. As a teacher, I loved finding the best books to share with my students. Book matching was my favorite thing! As a teacher and trainer, I searched for good books to use in the classroom as mentor texts or read alouds that were exceptional and fit my instructional purposes.

Today, I am blessed to have a job where I can share children's literature with you, reading thousands of books every year, from picture books to YA. (Reading fast is my superpower.) I hope Imagination Soup's book recommendations make your life easier.

Over the last fifteen years, I've carefully curated book lists and book reviews of children's books, including middle grade fiction and nonfiction for kids. Here, you'll find the best children's middle grade books for different ages and grades. But only the best of the best so you can find the right books for the readers in your life.

Best Middle Grade Books by Age and Grade

4th Grade (9-Year-Olds)

5th Grade (10-Year-Olds)

6th Grade (11-Year-Olds)

7th Grade (12-Year-Olds)

8th Grade (13 Years Old)

High School

Best Middle Grade Books by Year

Best MG Books in Lists by Topic

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1000 Best Middle Grade Books - Imagination Soup

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Whether you're a parent, teacher, or librarian, discover the best middle grade books to recommend, read aloud, and share with kids ages 9 to 12.

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What to Read Now - Kids Middle Grade Books (Hardcover) | Flyleaf Books

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What to Read Now - Kids Middle Grade Books (Hardcover) | Flyleaf Books

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What to Read Now - Kids Middle Grade Books (Hardcover)

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New and notable middle grade books (for readers ages 8-12) in hardcover. Also check out our list of New and Notable Middle Grade Books - Paperback. Last updated February 3, 2024.

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Afoma Umesi ·
This post may contain affiliate links.

It's finally that time of the year again when I share the best middle grade books of my reading year! This year was pretty good for middle grade books. I had many 4 and 5-star reads. Still, like with my best teen list, the books you'll see here aren't on this list for their star ratings. I chose stories that felt fresh (yet nostalgic, reminiscent of the middle grade books of my time), changed my view of life, and those I wanted to hug right after finishing them. So far, this year, I've read 250 books, 140 of which were middle grade books. These are my favorites of the bunch!

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The Top 15 Middle Grade Books of 2023

Here are the 15 best middle grade books of 2023:

Chance is a three-legged dog at the Dogtown shelter, where able-bodied and robot dogs compete for attention. Thankfully, management has adopted her as the house dog. Things start to change when a new robot dog, Metal Head, comes to the pound. First off, he's determined to run away (return home). So he hatches a plan with Chance and her mouse best friend to help an older dog get adopted in exchange for helping him escape. But things do not go to plan, and Chance, her mouse friend, and Metal Head spend a night on the streets on an emotional adventure. As someone who isn't into animal books, I'm shocked by how much I liked this one. It's charming, beautifully plotted, and full of suspense, heartwarming characters, and plenty of heart. It also has sweet illustrations and concise chapters. The audiobook is fantastic, with a jingle to introduce each chapter.

Meet 13-year-old twins Hope and Gordon. They've just discovered that their dad was Brandon Winterton (of the wealthy dictionary magnate family). Unfortunately, Hope can't stand rich people, especially since the twins and their mom barely make ends meet and live in a motel. But their fortune is about to change. When Gordon enters the family into the Winterton Bee, they're thrust into the midst of the family's secrets, with a deadly enemy and a scavenger hunt set up by the family's dead matriarch. This is a fast-paced mystery with plenty to gnaw on between the twin relationship, family drama, character development, and flashbacks that help readers learn more about the Winterton family. This one does touch a bit on addiction, and there's a scene where the kids' lives are in danger, but all ends well! Great for ages 10 and up.

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There they are: 15 of the best middle grade books I read this year! Each of these stories has a unique appeal and I hope you find one of them to match your current reading needs. I loved so many other middle grade books this year; you can see more in my reviews section.

More Best of the Year Lists

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Whether you're looking for cozy stories, fantasy books, or award winners, you'll find them in this list of the best middle grade books of 2023.

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BEST BIOGRAPHY READ ALOUDS FOR MIDDLE GRADES - Google Search

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BEST BIOGRAPHY READ ALOUDS FOR MIDDLE GRADES - Google Search

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds.

Fascinating Lives: Outstanding Middle Grade Biographies

Chance. Escape From the Holocaust. ...

Infinite Hope. A Black Artist's Journey From World War II to Peace. ...

Brown Girl Dreaming. by Woodson, Jacqueline. ...

The Great Nijinsky. God of Dance. ...

Drawing From Memory. by Say, Allen. ...

We Offer Law, Engineering, Self Help, Communication & Journalism & Other eBooks. Grab Exciting Offers and Discounts On an Array Of Products From Popular Brands.

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BEST BIOGRAPHY READ ALOUDS FOR MIDDLE GRADES - Google Search

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds. Fascinating Lives: Outstanding Middle Grade Biographies Chance. Escape From the Holocaust. ... Infinite Hope. A Black Artist's Journey From World War II to Peace. ... Brown Girl Dreaming. by Woodson, Jacqueline. ... The Great Nijinsky. God of Dance.

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Middle School Biographies That are Perfect for Your Teen or Tween

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Middle School Biographies That are Perfect for Your Teen or Tween

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Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies. Don't let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from.

Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences. In addition, reading biographies teaches kids about history, science, sports, and so many other topics that may interest them.

Of course finding books that are challenging enough for a middle school reader without being overly challenging in reading level and content can be tough. This list was gathered specificially for the readers who are "stuck in the middle."

{This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.}

Middle School Biographies

These middle school biographies will supplement many homeschool curriculums and make easy additions to any reading list for teens and tweens.

As with any booklist, you make the best choices when it comes to appropriate literature for your child to read. I have read many, though not all, of the books on this list. I highly recommend Common Sense Media when you want to know what sort of content might be included in any book.

A Simple Biography Report

Help your student thoughtfully remember facts from these middle school biographies with this free one-page biography report.

This simple report is perfect for your tween or teen to use to record what they learn as they read. It's an easy (and fun!) way to report their reading. Ask them to share their findings over dinner if they are willing!

Biographies for Teens and Tweens

Two of my kids dove into this one in middle school and couldn't stop talking about it for quite some time. It opened their eyes to horrible situations in other countries and the courage it takes for one person to stand up to injustice.

From Amazon: "Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren't allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn't go to school.
Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school. No one expected her to survive."
From Amazon: "On May 21, 1937, the most famous female pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, set out to do the impossible: circumnavigate the globe at its widest point-27,000 miles in all. Just six weeks later, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Eighty years have passed since that fateful flight; and still, Amelia's plane has never been found. Discover the thrilling life and tragic end of America's most famous trailblazing flier with this impeccably researched and masterfully crafted book from acclaimed author Candace Fleming."

Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson by Krystyna Poray Goddu

From Amazon: "In Becoming Emily, young readers will learn how as a child, an adolescent, and well into adulthood, Dickinson was a lively social being with a warm family life. Highly educated for a girl of her era, she actively engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the schools she attended until she was nearly eighteen. Her family and friends were important to her, and she was a prolific, thoughtful, and witty correspondent who shared many poems with her closest friends and relatives. This indispensable resource includes photos, full-length poems, letter excerpts, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography to present a vivid portrait of this singular American poet."

From Amazon: "In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school. Jo Ann-clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students-found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?"

From Amazon: "The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers. But Hamilton's vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak.

The disputes that arose during America's first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out. Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream-a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries."

There are FIVE books in this series, "The Making of America" by Teri Kanefield. You can continue with the series by reading these titles:

From Amazon: "When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land."

March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Who can resist a graphic novel biography? This has been a popular one in our house with all four kids and myself!

From Amazon: " March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis' personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.
Book One spans John Lewis' youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall."
From Amazon: "As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed eleven times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans. In this memoir, she shows today's young readers what it means to fight nonviolently (even when the police are using violence, as in the Bloody Sunday protest) and how it felt to be part of changing American history."

From Amazon: "It was April 5, 1943, and the Gestapo would arrive any minute. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been expecting this day for a long time. He had put his papers in order-and left a few notes specifically for Hitler's men to see. Two SS agents climbed the stairs and told the boyish-looking Bonhoeffer to come with them. He calmly said good-bye to his parents, put his Bible under his arm, and left. Upstairs there was proof, in his own handwriting, that this quiet young minister was part of a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler.
This compelling, brilliantly researched account includes the remarkable discovery that Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide evidence to the Allies that Jews were being deported to death camps. It takes readers from his privileged early childhood to the studies and travel that would introduce him to peace activists around the world-eventually putting this gentle, scholarly pacifist on a deadly course to assassinate one of the most ruthless dictators in history."
My son read this book as part of his summer reading in middle school and then we watched the movie. He enjoyed both and the story was very inspiring.

From Amazon: "When Ben Carson was in school, his classmates called him the class dummy. Many-including Ben himself-doubted that he would ever amount to anything. But his mother never let him quit. She encouraged Ben to do better and reach higher for his dreams, and eventually, he discovered a deep love of learning. Today this young boy from the inner-city is one of the world's greatest pediatric neurosurgeons. Through determination and lot of hard work, Ben overcame his many obstacles and is now dedicated to saving the lives of critically ill children around the world."

From Amazon: " At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia.
Despite his gratitude, Brierley always wondered about his origins. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for the needle in a haystack he once called home, and pore over satellite images for landmarks he might recognize or mathematical equations that might further narrow down the labyrinthine map of India. One day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for and set off to find his family."
This one is also a major motion picture, so you can follow up with movie after you read the book!

From Amazon: "Determination meets dance in this New York Times bestselling memoir by the history-making ballerina Misty Copeland, recounting the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. When she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers . A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind."

From Amazon: "The version for adults has been praised as "riveting" (The Financial Times), "spirited" (The Wall Street Journal), and "masterful" (Vice). Now younger readers can read about this innovative leader who is revolutionizing three industries at once: space, automotive, and energy."

From Amazon: "...audacious and riveting true story of Virginia Hall, America's greatest spy and unsung hero, brought to vivid life by acclaimed author Don Mitchell. When Hitler invaded Poland, Virginia Hall was traveling in Europe. Which was dangerous enough, but as fighting erupted, instead of returning home, she headed to France.In a country divided by freedom and fascism, Virginia was determined to do her part for the Allies. An ordinary woman from Baltimore, Maryland, she dove into the action, first joining a French ambulance unit and later becoming an undercover agent for both the British Office of Strategic Services and the US Office of Strategic Services. Working as a spy in the intelligence network, she made her way to Vichy, coordinating Resistance movements, assisting in Nazi sabotage, and rescuing downed Allies. She passed in plain sight of the enemy and soon found herself being hunted by the Gestapo. But Virginia cleverly evaded discovery and death, often through bold feats and escapes. Her covert operations, efforts with the Resistance, and risky work as a wireless telegraph operator greatly contributed to the Allies' eventual win."

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man by Tonya Bolden

From Amazon: "Teacher. Self-emancipator. Orator. Author. Man. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) is one of the most important African American figures in US history, best known, perhaps, for his own emancipation. But there is much more to Douglass's story than his time spent in slavery and his famous autobiography. Delving into his family life and travel abroad, this book captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was. As a statesman, suffragist, writer, newspaperman, and lover of the arts, Douglass the man, rather than the historical icon, is the focus in Facing Frederick."

From Amazon: "In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men's clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army. Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines."

From Amazon: "At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward. But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar."

From Amazon: "In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family-and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation's Founding Fathers."

From Amazon: "Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey."

From Amazon: "Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family - along with all the other Jewish families - into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland. Rena worked as a slave laborer with scarcely any food and watched as friends and family were sent away.
Then Rena and her mother ended up working for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employed Jewish prisoners in his factory and kept them fed and healthy. But Rena's nightmares were not over. She and her mother were deported to the concentration camp Auschwitz. With great cunning, it was Schindler who set out to help them escape."
Facing the Lion (Abridged Edition): Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe by Simone Arnold Liebster

From Amazon: "Simone Arnold is an ordinary French schoolgirl-spirited and stubborn. Then the Nazis march in, demanding complete conformity. Friends become enemies. Teachers spout Nazi propaganda. School officials recruit for the Hitler Youth. Simone's family refuses to heil Hitler as Germany's savior. They are Jehovah's Witnesses, and they reject Nazi racism and violence. The Nazi Lion makes them pay the price."

From Amazon: "As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her. But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges. Still, she lived her life with her father's words in mind: "You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you."
In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA's biggest projects including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon."
From Amazon: "Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a star! Her rise to fame started on the popular Disney Channel shows Bunk'd and Jessie. Her cool sense of style led her to create her own fashion line. And her success has made her a major influencer, with millions of followers on Instagram, who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in."

From Amazon: "Deborah Sampson wanted to travel and have adventures, but since she had no money, the best way to do that was to join the army. This is the exciting true story of a woman who became a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, by dressing and acting like a man."

This was a favorite book and story when my girls were in middle school. Bethany was a source of inspiration to them for a long time.

There is also a movie you can watch after you read the book. We did watch the movie, but we had to fast foward through the shark attack scene because it was too intense for them when they were younger.

From Amazon: "Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany's life as a young surfer, her recovery after the attack, the adjustments she's made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God. It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing-perhaps even less so-than the soul."

From Amazon: "In June 1941, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are accused of being capitalists, "enemies of the people." Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.
For five years, Esther and her family live in exile, weeding potato fields, working in the mines, and struggling to stay alive. But in the middle of hardship and oppression, the strength of their small family sustains them and gives them hope for the future."
From Amazon: "When the former Detroit Lion's football career was cut short by an injury, Leland didn't waste time mourning his broken dream. Instead, he found a new one-something that was completely out of this world.
He joined NASA, braved an injury that nearly left him permanently deaf, and still managed to muster the courage and resolve to travel to space on the shuttle Atlantis to help build the International Space Station. Leland's problem-solving methods and can-do attitude turned his impossible-seeming dream into reality."
More Books for Middle Schoolers:

If your student is interested in graphic novels (a very popular option) then these graphic novels for middle schoolers are great options.

Our middle school book club enjoyed these 8 titles this year. They were fantastic reads for great discussions!

While these winter themed books for middle school are great in the winter, they can easily be enjoyed at any time of year.

Which one of these middle school biographies would your tween or teen love to read?

Don't forget your FREE one-page biography report:

Find More Biography for Kids Books:

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Over 25 Biographies that will Inspire your Middle School Student

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Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies. Don't let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from. Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences.

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Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen | Goodreads

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Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen | Goodreads

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Because there is a significant chunk of the book that talks about behavior of the boys she goes to school with, I think it would be very worth readingBecause there is a significant chunk of the book that talks about behavior of the boys she goes to school with, I think it would be very worth reading for everyone. There are so many topics she covers that are universal when talking about social standing and cliques, plus there is a lot boys could learn from how Maya is treated specifically by the boys at her school. I think it would make for great discussion. Hell, the fact that they are resistant to your idea alone makes for great discussion. I didn't want to read Catcher in the Rye because it was a coming of age story about a boy, but it was required reading when I was in school. Boys need to get over themselves. ...more (less)

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Because there is a significant chunk of the book that talks about behavior of the boys she goes to school with, I think it would be very worth readingBecause there is a significant chunk of the book that talks about behavior of the boys she goes to school with, I think it would be very worth reading for everyone.

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The Best New Middle Grade Books You Need to Read in 2024 - Bookshop.org

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The Best New Middle Grade Books You Need to Read in 2024 - Bookshop.org

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Welcome to the first MG sci fi/fantasy round up of 2024! I hope we all have a lovely reading year (especially me because last year I read and reviewed less than I have since I started blogging....)

First--here are the finalists for the 2023 Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Cybils Awards! Do consider joining in the fun next year if you haven't already.
The Reviews
The Bellwoods Game, by Celia Krampien, at Falling Letters

Crazy Creek, by Evelyn Sibley Lampman, at Charlotte's Library

The Creatures of Killburn Mine, by Dan Smith, at Scope for Imagination and Book Craic

The Curious Vanishing of Beatrice Willoughby, by G.Z. Schmidt, at Kiss the Book

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, by Mary Averling, at Ms. Yingling Reads

The Eyes and the Impossible, by Dave Eggers, at Heavy Medal

Field of Screams, by Wendy Parris, at Twirling Book Princess

Fright Bite, by Jennifer Killick, at Scope for Imagination

Gone Wolf, by Amber McBride, Heavy Medal

Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy, by J. Scott Savage and Brandon Dorman, at Cracking the Cover

Harley Hitch Takes Flight, by Vashti Hardy, at Scope for Imagination

The Invisible Spy (The Forgotten Five 2) by Lisa McMann, at Mark My Words

The Last Rose (Sisters Ever After), by Leah Cypess, at Kiss the Book

The School for Invisible Boys, by Shaun David Hutchinson, at Ms. Yingling Reads

Stitch, by Pádraig Kenny, at Book Craic

We Will Comfort Them (Time School #4), by Nikki Young, at Scope for Imagination

Two at A Library Mama--The Demon Sword Asperides, by Sarah Jean Horwitz,and The Dark Lord's Daughter, by Patricia Wrede
Authors and Interviews
Mary Averling (The Curse of Eelgrass Bog), at Literary Rambles

Linda Crotta Brennan (The Selkie's Daughter) at Teen Librarian Toolbox
Other Good Stuff Mr Ripley's Children's Book Picks Jan 2024 UK

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Welcome to the first MG sci fi/fantasy round up of 2024! I hope we all have a lovely reading year (especially me because last year I read and reviewed less than I have since I started blogging....) First--here are the finalists for the 2023 Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Cybils Awards!

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Exciting New Releases in Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature for 2024: A Must-Read List for Librarians and Educators, a guest post by Amanda Hunt

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Exciting New Releases in Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature for 2024: A Must-Read List for Librarians and Educators, a guest post by Amanda Hunt

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I get a lot of questions from the librarian and educator community about collection development. As someone who is a voracious reader in the middle grade and young adult realm, in all genres, I love curating lists for teachers to use to either build their libraries or to recommend to students. 2024 has a great group of titles releasing in a wide range of authors, genres, and formats.

Librarians and educators have a wealth of literary treasures to offer young readers in 2024. From magical quests to thought-provoking explorations of identity and history, these middle-grade and young adult releases are sure to capture the imaginations of diverse audiences. As we celebrate the power of storytelling, let these new books transport readers to exciting worlds, spark their curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love for literature. Get ready to fill your shelves with these enchanting tales that promise to leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Upcoming Middle Grade Gems:

1. Finally Heard by Kelly Yang out February 27.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes the sequel to Finally Seen in which Lina gets a phone and tries to navigate social media, only to discover not everything online is what it seems.

2. The Partition Project by Saadia Farqui out February 27.

In this engaging and moving middle grade novel, Saadia Faruqi writes about a contemporary Pakistani American girl whose passion for journalism starts a conversation about her grandmother's experience of the Partition of India and Pakistan-and the bond that the two form as she helps Dadi tell her story.

3. Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby out April 2.

12-year-old Winnie Nash is forced to live with her grandma for the summer and finds herself torn between her family's secrets and the joy of celebrating Pride.

4. The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley out April 9.

A young Jewish girl narrowly escapes capture and hides out at a Catholic school in the French countryside. When she finds an opportunity to escape to safety, she must decide whether to flee or stay in hiding and help others find freedom.

5. Rebellion, 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson out October 15.

From New York Times bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson comes an eerily timely historical fiction middle grade adventure about a girl struggling to survive amid a smallpox epidemic, the public's fear of inoculation, and the seething Revolutionary War.

Future Young Adult Must-Reads:

1. Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada out February 6.

Closeted Wes MacKenzie navigates his senior year. He's failing classes, has anger issues, and is preoccupied with the recent implosion of his parents' relationship. But when openly gay Tristian Monroe catches his eye, Wes imagines a different future for himself - one where he graduates and gets the boy.

2. Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee out April 23.

Lee transports us to 1932 Los Angeles. After sisters May, Gemma, and Peony Chow stumble upon the movie star Lulu Wong's dead body, they know the case isn't as open-and-shut as the LAPD would have the public believe. But they also know they can't trust the police to bring justice to a murdered Chinese girl, no matter how famous she was - so they take matters into their own hands.

3. The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson out June 11.

This new social justice thriller from Kim Johnson takes place in segregated 1955 America. When Calvin and his family move into a "Whites Only" suburb after fleeing tragedy in Chicago, Calvin must do all he can to hide his true identity and pass for white. He has lots of practice doing it - but insidious danger lurks beneath the surface of this small town.

4. Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus out July 30.

In this new standalone mystery by Karen M. McManus, teenage Kat and her mother, Jamie, are jewel thieves. Jamie is ready to leave the life of crime behind - after one final heist at billionaire Ross Sutherland's birthday party. But when the birthday boy turns up dead, can Kat outrun the killer? YA readers everywhere will burn the midnight oil to finish this heart-pounding thriller.

5. The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis out November 12.

Inspired by the true story of C.R. Patterson, a Black man who escaped slavery and carved out a place for himself and his family in Ohio society, the Davenports series follows one wealthy Black family in the early 1910s. The second installment picks up right where book one left off, and readers will delight in seeing where Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and Helen go next in their journeys through life and love.

Meet the author

Amanda Hunt, aka TheNextGenLibrarian, is a 6th-8th middle school librarian in New Braunfels ISD and is the Secondary Lead Librarian for NBISD. She's been a librarian for twelve years at both elementary and secondary campuses. She was the chair for the Mavericks Graphic Novel Reading List Committee for TLA from 2021-2023. She was also the chair for TxASL Talks Editorial Board and presently is the TxASL Councilor through 2025. She also serves on the Conference Planning Committee for the TLA 2024 conference. Hunt is on the Bylaws Committee for TLA and the Operating Procedures Committee member for TxASL. She is on the AASL Committee for rewriting the new AASL Standards. Amanda has served on the Cybil Award YA Speculative Reading List Committee for 2023 and is on the Margaret Edwards 2025 Award Committee. She was a TLA TxASL Media and Visual Presence (MVP) Honoree for 2021 and 2023, and the TLA Branding Iron Award 2022 Winner for Digital Only Communications in a School Library. Amanda is a certified Apple Teacher and Apple Learning Coach, as well as a Google certified Trainer and Coach. She has certifications in a variety of #edtech tools and is a voracious reader. Visit her linktree: http://bit.ly/biolinkthenextgenlibrarian and follow her across social media @thenextgenlibrarian

Filed under: Guest Post

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Exciting New Releases in Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature for 2024: A Must-Read List for Librarians and Educators, a guest post by Amanda Hunt

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As we celebrate the power of storytelling, let these new books transport readers to exciting worlds, spark their curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love for literature.

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So you want to write a guest post for TLT? Start here: TLT Guest Post Guidelines and contact our Guest Post Coordinator, Amanda MacGregor.

Want a book reviewed? Contact Karen Jensen, Amanda MacGregor, or Ally Watkins in the email addresses listed below.

Teen Librarian Toolbox (TLT) is a professional development website for teen librarians, created by Karen Jensen and collecting the experience of four MLS librarians and over 50 collective years of library work. Our mission is to to help libraries serving teens (and anyone who cares about teens) and to foster a community of professional development and resource sharing by providing quality information, discussions, book reviews and more. We welcome guest posts and our book review policy can be found here. We are available for presentations, seminars, and consulting on a limited basis. Contact us for more information.

I have been a Young Adult/Teen Services Librarian for 29 years and love working with teens, teen fiction, and graphic design. I read, I don't cook. I have an undergraduate degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Youth Ministry with a minor in Psychology and I received my MLS from Kent State University in 2002. I was a reviewer for VOYA magazine from 2001 to 2014. From 2009 to 2011 I was a part of the Wild Child Conference board. For the past 5 years I have also served as a first round judge for the Cybils awards in the YA Speculative Fiction category. I believe in the power of the 40 Developmental Assets and that the right book in the right hand can make all the difference. TLT is my attempt to share my passion with my fellow teen services librarians - and you. You can read my articles, Mpact: Building and Asset Builder's Coalition (VOYA, October 2011) and If You Feed Them, or Not, Will They Come?, (VOYA, February 2012), Tapping into Teens' Creativity and Turning Libraries into Makerspaces and Art Inspired by YA Lit (Both in VOYA, August 2013), and Walking in Another's Shoes: Exploring Young Adult Historical Fiction (VOYA August 2014) in VOYA, the Voice of Youth Advocates. I have also written 2 articles which have appeared in School Library Journal: Launching a Dialogue About Sexual Violence in YA Literature (March 2014) and What Librarians Can Do to Help Fight the Culture of Slut Shaming (July 2014). In addition, I wrote the February 2016 School Library Journal cover story about turning my Teen Space into a Teen Makerspace. I have presented in multiple webinars on topics including making with teens and how to conduct a collection diversity audit. I am the co-editor of The Whole Library Handbook: Teen Services published in 2014 from ALA Editions with Heather Booth.

I have an amazing husband, known as The Mr., and two amazing little girls that I risked my life to bring into this world by battling a pregnancy illness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum ( http://www.helpher.org/ for more info). Learn more about HG in The ABCs of HG, an unconventional picture book done by yours truly. You can email me at kjensenmls (at )yahoo (dot)com. If there is no other name attached to a post, it's written by me. @tlt16on Twitter. This blog and all its content are my thoughts and opinions and do not reflect those of my employer or School Library Journal (they want me to make sure you know that). A 2014 Library Journal Movers and Shaker: Advocates

Amanda MacGregor, MA - Book Reviewer Extraordinaire and Guest Post Editor

I have spent nearly twenty working with children's and young adult literature in various capacities. I have worked as a bookseller, a children's librarian, a high school library assistant, teen and reference librarian, and a book reviewer. I graduated in 2000 from the University Minnesota Duluth with bachelor's degrees in both English and Women's Studies. In 2003, I graduated from Simmons College with a master's degree in Children's Literature. I joined School Library Journal as a reviewer in 2014. I currently work in an elementary library. My main areas of interest in young literature include depictions of LGBTQIA+ youth, sex and sexuality, mental health, and social justice issues. I live outside of St. Paul, Minnesota with my software architect husband, our loquacious kid, and two elderly dachshunds named after children's book characters. I'm represented by literary agent Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency. You can find me on Twitter @CiteSomething and posting on my own blog at amandamacgregor.net. All posts both here and on Twitter are my own thoughts and opinions and in no way reflect those of my employers. You can email me at amanda (dot) macgregor (at) gmail (dot) com. Photo credit: Jun-Kai Teoh

Ally Watkins, MLIS - Collecting Comics

I'm a a Library Consultant at the state library agency in Mississippi, working with public libraries on all matter of topics including policy, collection development, and youth services. I have preciously been a youth services librarian. I've worked in libraries for 8 years. My reading habits are voracious, but I can stop anytime I want, really. (Guarantee: any time you're reading this, I'll have at least 2 books on my person.) My favorite author is Melina Marchetta, and if she called me and asked me to be her friend, I would quit my job and move to Australia tomorrow. You can follow Ally on Twitter.

Want to see your name here and be a semi-regular contributor? Email Karen Jensen.

Cindy Shutts, MLIS - Cindy Crushes Programming

Cindy is passionate about teen services. She loves dogs, pro-wrestling, Fairy tales, mythology, and of course reading. Her favorite books are The Hate U Give, Catching FIre, The Royals, and everything by Cindy Pon. She loves spending times with her dog Harry Winston and her niece and nephew. Cindy Shutts is the Teen Services Librarian at the White Oak Library District in IL and she'll be joining us to talk about teen programming. You can follow her on Twitter at @cindysku. Cindy shares her awesome teen programs regularly as part of our ongoing Cindy Crushes Programming series.
Christine Lively, School Librarian - RevolTeens
Christine Lively a school librarian in Virginia. I read voraciously, exchange ideas with students, and am a perpetual student. I raise monarch butterflies, cook, clean infrequently and enjoy an extensive hippo collection. Christine blogs at https://hippodillycircus.com/ and you can follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/XineLively
Lisa Krok, MLIS
Lisa Krok, MLIS, MEd, is the adult and teen services manager at Morley Library and a former teacher in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. She is the author of Novels in Verse for Teens: A Guidebook with Activities for Teachers and Librarians, forthcoming from ABC-CLIO in February 2020. Lisa's passion is reaching marginalized teens and reluctant readers through young adult literature. She was appointed to the 2019-2020 YALSA Presidential Advisory Task Force, served two years on the Quick Picks for Reluctant Reader's team, and is on the BFYA committee. Lisa can be found being bookish and political on Twitter @readonthebeach.

Riley, Teen Reviewer

I am a senior in high school and an avid reader. I have been reviewing books on this blog since 2012. I love musical theatre and listen to show tunes a lot. I also love murder books (both fiction and nonfiction), and she wants to go to college to be a forensic scientist after high school. Reading is one of my favorite things to do, so I must put that hobby to good use for my mom.

Scout, Tween Reviewer

Scout is going into the 6th grade and is excited to finally be able to officially join TLT. She has dyslexia, which she chooses to talk about openly here at TLT to raise awareness and help erase the stigma, and though she has struggled to read she discovered graphic novels and loves them. A couple of year ago Scout created #OperationBB in which she works hard to make sure that kids get to own books of their own. Scout loves space, soccer, basketball, photography and TikTok.

Lexi, Teen Reviewer

I'm a 17 year old couch potato. I spend most days reading, talking about books, and eating. I'm in love with contemporary, lgbtq+, and vampires books. I am the bibliophile who isn't afraid to write in her books or bend their spines. Hardbacks are nice to look at but I'd much rather have a paperback in my hand. Aside from striving to be an OBGYN, I am also an aspiring cat lady.

Ky (aka The Bestie), Teen Reviewer

Mocha Frappes are life. Volleyball player who likes to read books. Savvy is one of my all time favorites. Barrel racer at heart. Texas made, Jesus saved. I spend a lot of time eating all the food in Karen's house during ARC parties and she takes me to meet authors. Life is good.

Robin Willis, MLS

I am a Public Librarian in Maryland. I have worked as a school librarian in both elementary and middle schools. I received my undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and my MSLS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Other than reading, I count cooking and snuggling my friends' children as top amongst my hobbies. My favorite author is Jasper Fforde. Although I read a wide variety of novels, realistic fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres. I also enjoy anything with an absurd sense of humor (shout out to Captain Underpants!) Some authors currently overflowing my personal bookshelves are Holly Black, Ally Carter, Rachel Hawkins, Libba Bray, Lish McBride, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Rebecca Stead. I will watch anything that has come into contact with Joss Whedon. I'm an avid Nerdfighter and user of social media. I spend way too much time on Twitter and am happiest when I can answer research-type questions from the authors I follow. I live with two very sweet, very spoiled cats. For updates about my cats and pictures of various homemade baked goods, you can follow me on Twitter @RobinReads (a personal account whose opinions are solely my own and do not reflect those of my employer or TLT.) You can also reach me at robinkwillis (at) gmail (dot) com - although Twitter is probably quicker.

Heather Booth, MLS

I am the Teen Services Librarian at Thomas Ford Memorial Library in suburban Chicagoland. I have worked in libraries since 2001 and am the author of Serving Teens Through Reader's Advisory (ALA Editions, 2007) and the editor of The Whole Library Handbook: Teen Servcies along with Karen. I started Teen Programming in Libraries (a collaborative board) on Pinterest and would be happy to add you as a collaborator there if you let me know. My library passions are nurturing a creative space through lifelong learning, matching the right book to the right reader, and providing impeccable customer service to everyone who walks through our doors. I have been reviewing Books for Youth and Audiobooks for Booklist Magazine since 2006. I can be reached at teenreadersadvisor (at) gmail.com or @boothheather and am available for speaking and consulting both in-person and virtually. Heather also blogs at the Robot Test Kitchen as part of her iLead experience.

Stephanie Wilkes, MLIS

Previously the Young Adult Coordinator for the Ouachita Parish Public Library in Monroe, Louisiana, I am now transitioning to a middle school librarian position. I've been a 'librarian' since 2008, when I graduated from LSU with my MLIS, but working in libraries since 2004 with teens (when I was barely older than they were). My passion is working with teens to connect them to great books. My favorite authors: David Levithan, John Green, John Corey Whaley, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle, and Philip K. Dick (not YA but still full of awesome). I probably could name several more...=) And then, after 5 pm, I'm a wife to a huge Batman fan and a mother to the most amazing son and adorable new baby girl. Tough life, but somebody's gotta do it!

Cuyler Creech, Reviewer and Aspiring Writer

Cuyler Creech is an aspiring author who lives in Weatherford, TX. He loves to read, spend time with his family and friends, and most of all, he loves to write. Cuyler is 18, and has been writing for many years. He's also a published author of one novel (not in print anymore) and focuses primarily on young adult fiction. His favorite books are dystopians and horrors, and his favorite time to read is during thunderstorms. He is the oldest of three siblings, one who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome and Autism, and is going to college to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Cuyler just turned 20 so we can't call him our "teen reviewer" anymore.

Chris Dahl, Library Aide

Reviewer Chris Dahl is a life-long resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.He has aspirations of world domination, but lacks the resources, ambition, and over-all managerial style to accomplish his goals.Anyone who believes that "still waters run deep" has never met Chris. He believes that there IS crying in baseball and blubbers like a baby every time he watches "Field of Dreams." He has never been in a fist-fight, but has almost bowled a perfect game.In addition to reading he enjoys getting sun-burned and the occasional rant about how nobody listens to good music anymore. To the best of our knowledge, he is not in any way related to Roald Dahl, but we think it would be cool if he was. Chris is a library aide at both a public and a high school library.

Jayla Parks, MLS in May 2014

I got my start in libraries as a work study student in college. It wasn't until one of the reference librarians told me about library school that I began to toy with the idea of becoming a librarian. I currently hold a part-time position as a YS librarian in South Carolina. I hope I can foster some awesome discussions about diversity topics relating to libraries, youths, and book lovers alike! You can find me talking about books and book related things over at LadyBlueJay.com.

Kearsten LaBrozzi, MLS

I'm a Teen Librarian at Glendale Public Library in Glendale, Arizona. I've spent half my life working in libraries, but the last six I've spent in the teen department have been the most fun by far: book clubs, zombie LARPs, and gaming, oh my! I run two monthly book clubs and a third every summer, and talking with others about the books we've read makes my day. Wandering our teen room, pulling books off the shelves, is my favorite way to recommend teen fiction and non-fiction, and here on TLT I'm hoping to translate that informal book-talking into something anyone can use. Kearsten does our monthly "Booktalk This!" feature.

Julie Stivers, MLS

I graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in Sociology (1994) and from SILS at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with my MSLS (2015). Librarians often speak in the language of current favorite authors so let me say hello: I love Matt de la Peña, Leigh Bardugo, Daniel José Older, RIck Riordan, Rainbow Rowell, and Kwame Alexander.

Follow me on Twitter at @BespokeLib - thoughts expressed there are my own and will often include issues of social justice and equity, ideas to chip away at the literary canon, and frequent gushing about my students.

Alanna Graves, MLIS

I recently graduated from University of Illinois in May 2015 with my Master's in Library and Information Science. During my last semester of graduate school, I decided to pack my bags and move across the country to start my professional career in Teen Services in Cape May County, NJ. I love to read, play video games, do puzzles, and listen to This American Life, all while drinking copious amounts of caffeine. http://www.alannagraves.com/

Michelle Biwer, MLIS

Michelle is a Teen Services Librarian and Shelving Supervisor in Maryland. She received her MLIS from the University of​ Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016 and her BA in Sociology from the College of William and Mary. In her free time she loves attending musical theatre, listening to podcasts, and bingeing sci-fi TV shows.​

Natalia Korsavidis

Natalie Korsavidis has been with the Farmingdale Public Library since 1998. She has spoken at Long Island Pop Con and New York Comic Con. A passionate reader, she enjoys reading Young Adult fiction, romance, fantasy, and quirky non-fiction.

Eric Devine, Author and HS English Teacher

Eric Devine is the author of multiple works of Young Adult fiction, most recently, Press Play. His work has been listed by YALSA and Booklist for reluctant readers and for Best in Sports. He is also a veteran high school English teacher and is married to his high school sweetheart. He and his wife have two wonderful daughters and two not-so-wonderful Labradors. Find out more at ericdevine.org, facebook.com/ericdevineauthor, or Twitter: @eric_devine

Copyrights and Disclaimers

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner (Karen Jensen) is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the post author and Teen Librarian Toolbox with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. RA Posters and Library Memes may be freely used. All thoughts and opinions expressed belong to the individuals that wrote them and do not reflect the views of any outside affiliations including the libraries that we work at, the professional journals that we work with, etc. Please note: we sometimes get books and advance reader's copies from publishers in return for an honest review.

TLT is a networked blog with School Library Journal
TLT was feautred in VOYA's Trending in Youth Culture: The Best Blogs and Sites for Youth Advocates (February 2012) TLT was a Shortlisted Finalist in the 2012 Edublogs Awards
Karen Jensen and Christie Gibrich were featured on the Texas Sweethearts and Scoundrels website
Library Lions: Roar in the New Year YALSA Advocacy Spotlight: Karen Jensen OLC Small Libraries . . . BIG Ideas Chicago Tribune: Scowler by Daniel Kraus, Karen is quoted PEW Internet and American Life Project, Karen is quoted
Kent State University: Alum in Texas Creates Blog to Help Other Librarians

Tweens, Teens, and Time Lords: Doctor Who in the Library at School Library Journal (11/23/2013)

Who Loves Doctor Who? (Proquest Share This blog)
School Library Journal: Teen Tech Week Molly Wrapped Up in Books: My Favorite Bookish Blogs Want to follow a YA Librarian's Blog? Check out some of the hottest YA blogs on the web right here! TLT is listed
28 Must Follow Tumblrs for Fans of YA (Book Riot, The #SVYALit Project Tumblr is mentioned)
Tackling Mental Health Through YA Lit | School Library Journal Library Journal Maker Workshop Showcase
Teen Librarian's Toolbox is a professional development website. We are a staff of 4, with 3 MLS librarians and one paraprofessional with a Masters in Literature. We also have several other individuals who help us on a semi-regular basis.

The mission of TLT is to equip teen librarians with the tools they need to successfully serve the teen audience, one of which is of course books. I am happy to receive ARCs (physical copies or e-books) from publishers or authors that help us fulfill this mission. We endeavor to

review them in a timely manner. We also enjoy guest blog posts from authors, publishing houses and more that can help teen librarians better serve their audience.

Any ARCs we receive will be passsed on as give-aways, Teen Summer Reading prizes, or to my fellow librarians for their input. For more information please feel free to e-mail me, Karen Jensen, at kjensenmls@yahoo.com

Disclosure Statement: Members of TLT occasionally receive copies of ARCs in exchange for our honest review. In addition, we have worked with some publishers to do promotional weeks where we post a series of posts

on titles by that publishing house, including honest reviews, in exchange for prizes that we offer to our readers.

Please note: TLT was feautred in VOYA's Trending in Youth Culture: The Best Blogs and Sites for Youth Advocates (February 2012)

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Teen Librarian Toolbox - A School Library Journal Blog

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So you want to write a guest post for TLT? Start here: TLT Guest Post Guidelines and contact our Guest Post Coordinator, Amanda MacGregor. Want a book reviewed? Contact Karen Jensen, Amanda MacGregor, or Ally Watkins in the email addresses listed below.

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American Women Quarters™️ Honoree Posters | National Women's History Museum

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American Women Quarters™️ Honoree Posters | National Women's History Museum

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Celebrate the women featured in the American Women Quarters Program!
2022 Series
The first five women to be honored on coins issued under the American Women Quarters™ Program are Maya Angelou, world-renowned poet and scholar; Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and an activist for Native American and women's rights; Adelina Otero-Warren, a leader in New Mexico's suffrage movement and the first female superintendent of Santa Fe public schools; Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and first acknowledged gay astronaut; and Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, achieving international success despite racism and discrimination, will be the first distinguished American women celebrated on the reverse of the program's circulating quarters. Download classroom-ready posters at links below.
2023 Series
The five women celebrated in the second year of the American Women Quarters™ Program are Bessie Coleman, the first African American and first Native American woman pilot; Edith Kanaka'ole, indigenous Hawaiian composer and custodian of native culture and traditions; Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady, author, and civil liberties advocate; Jovita Idar, Mexican-American journalist, activist, teacher, and suffragist; and Maria Tallchief, America's first prima ballerina. Download classroom-ready posters at links below.

The five women celebrated in the second year of the American Women Quarters™ Program are Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray, poet, writer, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest; Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Civil War era surgeon, women's rights and dress reform advocate; Celia Cruz, Cuban-American singer, cultural icon, and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century; and Zitkala-Ša, writer, composer, educator, and political activist.

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American Women Quarters™️ Honoree Posters

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Celebrate the women featured in the American Women Quarters Program with our classroom-ready posters!