WATERCRESS by Andrea Wang illustrated by Jason Chin Neal Porter Books Winner – Fiction Picture Book 2021 CYBILS Awards The Book Fiction Picture Book Culture & Tradition, Family, Realistic Fiction, Social Issues Watercress is a beautiful lyrical story that transports your mind and heart through words and images. It incorporates a universal childhood desire to fit in while at the …
#CybilsAwards Booklist: Libraries
I am a sucker for books about books and libraries, and there’s quite a handful this year. Though, it seems like it leans younger this year – not too many books for middle grade and YA books about libraries. What we need are more adventures in enchanted libraries out there. Get to work, publishers and authors! Until then, enjoy these! …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Classic Tales Retold
In my searching through the nominations/submissions, looking for theme ideas, I noticed that there were a lot of books this year that were retelling or expanding upon classic stories. There are some really fun retellings on this list. Enjoy! Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore Feiwel & Friends Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by …
EVERYWHERE BLUE by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz #CYBILS 📚🎶
Right after we launched our book playlist feature, Joanne Rossmassler Fritz contacted us to share the Spotify playlist her son created for her book EVERYWHERE BLUE. Riya describes it as “stunning.”  EVERYWHERE BLUE By Joanne Rossmassler Fritz Holiday House Winner – Poetry 2021 CYBILS Awards The Book Young Adult Climate Change, Family, Growing Up, Mental Health, Music, Mystery, Realistic Fiction …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Moon and Sky
I’m a bit late for the eclipse that happened back in October, or even the full moon this month, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to highlight the moon (and sky) books! I got pretty literal with this list: if “moon” or “sky” was in the title, it went on the list. Moonlight Prance by Serena Gingold Allen, illustrated …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Indigenous Voices
It’s Native American Heritage Month, and like last year we want to celebrate the Native Voices books that were nominated or submitted this year. It’s a good list. Enjoy! Powwow Day by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight Charlesbridge Berry Song by Michaela Goade Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Sky Wolf’s Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge by Eldon …
WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by Victoria Jamieson #CYBILS 📚🎶
Because graphic novels by their nature engage readers on multiple sensory levels. When a story is told through pictures, there is more on the page for readers to explore, and having “background music” can add to the reading experience exponentially. WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed illustrated by Victoria Jamieson and Iman Geddy Dial Books Finalist …
#CybilsAward Book List: Civic Engagement
Election day was last Tuesday, and whatever you feel about the outcome, there is one thing I have noticed: there are more books talking about civil rights, voting, community building, sustainable living, environmentalism, and activism for kids! We thought we’d feature a few that were nominated this year. This Little Voter by Ann Bonnie, Illustrated by Carol Herring little bee …
#CybilsAwards Book List: Forests!
I love fall (honestly: who doesn’t): the changing colors, the crisp air, the falling leaves. And there’s something about fall that makes me want to take a walk through a forest. (I’m usually a beach person!) There’s so much to enjoy in a forest, and here is a collection of our current 2022 nominees and submissions to celebrate all things …
SONNY’S BRIDGE by Barry Wittenstein #CYBILS 📚🎶
SONNY’S BRIDGE:JAZZ LEGEND SONNY ROLLINS FINDS HIS GROOVE by Barry Wittensteinillustrated by Keith Mallett  Charlesbridge Publishing Finalist – Elementary/Middle-Grade Nonfiction2019 CYBILS Awards The Book Elementary/Middle-GradeBiography, Black History, Music, Nonfiction  Sonny’s Bridge is a tribute to the prolific jazz musician Sonny Rollins. Sonny was born in the vibrant times of jazz music. As a kid, Sonny played the saxophone and …