#CybilsAwards Backlist Book List: #BatterUp

baseball books kids teens

In a little less than a week, baseball fans will be celebrating the 91st Midsummer Classic, also known as Major League Baseball’s 2021  All-Star Game. Last year, because of the pandemic, this annual event didn’t happen. But this year, well … we’re ready! To help get ready for the big game, let’s have some fun with a little trivia. ⚾ …

#Cybils Awards Backlist Book List: Voices for Social Change

activist books kids teens

Civil Rights. Voting Rights. Individual Rights. Human Rights. These are some of the many issues in our society where people are moved beyond voicing opinions to “doing something” to influence change. Sadly, while they may seem “new” to our children’s consciousness, these ills are not new to us.  For better or worse, since 2016, nearly 100 Cybils-nominated books have centered …

REVIEW: In a Jar

In a Jar

Today’s featured review looks at Fiction Picture Books finalist In a Jar by Deborah Marcero: Llewellen collects things. In jars. Lots of things. Feathers. Stones. He meets Evelyn, and they collect things together. Things that are hard to hold. Things that they thought might not fit in a jar. But they did… Read the full review on Goodreads by Fiction …

REVIEW: We Are Water Protectors

We Are Water Protectors

Today on the Cybils blog, we are happy to feature a blogger review of Fiction Picture Books finalist We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade: I am rarely speechless, but this book nearly achieves that for me. The incredibly symbolic and fluid and moving illustrations are masterpieces, page by page. Click here to read the rest of …

REVIEW: I Am Every Good Thing

I Am Every Good Thing

In our featured blog review for today, read more about Fiction Picture Books finalist I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James: A love letter to African American boys about everything good they are and all of the great things they will become. It did not specifically name a race, but all of the gorgeous …

REVIEW: Bo the Brave

Bo the Brave

The featured review for today looks at Fiction Picture Books nominee Bo the Brave by Bethan Woolvin: Kids are enamored of Woollvin’s subversive reinterpretations of classic fairy tales, and her art’s distinctive color schemes and shapes. Their parents and grandparents are (usually) amused too. Click here to read the full review from Round 1 judge Cecelia Larsen on The Adventures …

REVIEW: The Paper Kingdom

The Paper Kingdom

Fiction Picture Books nominee The Paper Kingdom, written by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Pascal Campion, is the subject of today’s featured review: I loved how the parents created a fantasy world for their young son. I love how they advised him to be considerate, kind, and nice when he becomes king. Click here to read the full review …

REVIEW: Love Is Powerful

Love is Powerful

Our featured review for today looks at Fiction Picture Book nominee Love Is Powerful written by Heather Dean Brewer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham: This very empowering story is a reminder that every voice matters, that each individual counts, and that change happens slowly but DOES happen. The full review was posted on Goodreads by Round 1 judge Sandy Brehl, …

REVIEW: Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots

Facts vs Opinions vs Robots

Fiction Picture Book nominee Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex talks to young readers about the differences between facts and opinions–an important topic in teaching information literacy: This is the book that both kids and adults alike should take the time to read. It’s a fun, interactive, and informative way to learn the difference between what is a …

REVIEW: A Stone Sat Still

Today’s review of Fiction Picture Book finalist A Stone Sat Still (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one panelist Maria, who blogs at Maria Marshall: Making Nature Fun. She wrote:  Each time I read it, I find a new treasure in the illustrations and text. I truly hope this book finds a home in every classroom and library. Read the rest …