1

Comfort Food: The Book List #CYBILS2024

family community food stories

Today we’re whipping up some book deliciousness. Shall we keep going with our metaphors? Okay! Read on to taste stories where characters stir the pots; wanna-be chefs mix it up in cooking competitions; where ingredient “mishaps” create new family recipes; secret ingredients are shared; and food feeds our souls! From passing down family recipes to saving the family business to …

GOAL! A Trio of Women in Soccer Books

womens soccer books

If ever there was a “year in women’s sports,” 2024 would certainly rank among them. From the Summer Olympic games to the WNBA – and beyond – there is a surge of interest in female athletes. And not just among girls. Sports fans love their sports and the athletes who play the game. Introduce young readers with the women who …

Name that Food: A #CYBILS2024 Foodie’s Booklist

books food names title books

Apparently, we love reading about food as much as we enjoy eating it. This year there are nearly 50 books that dish out a food-ish element.  Books with a food in the title. Books with characters with food-y names. Books about cooks and chefs. Books about growing, eating, and making food. Books that celebrate sharing food. All of the above.  …

Indigenous Voices Book List #CYBILS2024

native voices books kids

November is National American Indian Heritage Month, a time to “celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.”  As we have done in the past, we are celebrating the histories, rich cultures, and vast contributions of Native peoples in books for children and teens. This list includes books written and illustrated …

Our Not-as-Scary Book List, Part 2

halloween books young readers

More eerie. Less scary. Mystery and Adventure the unusual and unexplained ghosts, goblins, and witches Monsters and Zombies … and even laugh-out-loud humor! This is the book list for those of us who love mystery with a side of magic and fantasy, but don’t like – or aren’t ready for – truly dark and scary stuff. There are lots of …

Book Playlist: MEET THE BEARS by Kate Peridot a #CYBILS 📚🎶 

MEET THE BEARS By Kate Peridot Illustrated by Becca Hall Welbeck Children’s Elementary Animals, Children’s, Nonfiction, Zoology Finalist – Elementary Nonfiction 2023 CYBILS Awards The Book Be ready to go on a reading adventure with this book! Meet the Bears is an easily accessible picture book packed with beautiful illustrations and valuable information about eight different species of bears, displayed in a …

BIG by Vashti Harrison a #CYBILS 📚🎶

BIG By Vashti Harrison Little, Brown Books for Young Readers All Ages African American, Emotion, Mental Health, Realistic Fiction, Storytime Winner – Fiction Picture Book 2023 CYBILS Awards The Book   Big by Vashti Harrison is a stunning picture book that explores the meaning of being big in a world that often values small. The story follows a young girl …

Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 Early Chapter Book Finalists

Here we are, friends! It seems only appropriate that Early Chapter Books be the “final chapter” in our posts sharing judges reviews of 2023 CYBILS Awards finalists and winners. There are a few familiar series and new faces, too. These stories also welcome young readers into stories that may be comfortable and fun, and others that will expose them to …

Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 EMG Graphic Novel Finalists

Just so you know, we stopped counting the “readers will relate to” references in the reviews at around 15 … and they kept going. Seriously, though, is there anything better than a book where a reader can see themselves and grow with a bookish alter ego? Diverse casts, family, friendship, adventure, gaming, and nonfiction. Angst and courage, fears and acceptance. …

Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 Finalists Poetry Collections

Roses are red. Violets are blue. If you don’t like college basketball. This list is for you. Happy #PoetryFriday to you. For some of us, basketball is a kind of poetry in motion. For others, well, it just isn’t. Thankfully, this roundup of poetry books can help. Moving, funny, imaginative, jarring … all found in the pages of these poetry …