I will be continuing my tradition of liveblogging the YMAs. Because I’m typing as fast as I can at times, please forgive any misspellings or missed author names. I plan to go back to fix them later in the day.
You can watch live too at 8 am Central Time, and the webcast will be provided in an archived format by 11 am.
The shortlists for the 2021 Indie Book Awards have been announced. The Australian award is selected from titles nominated by independent booksellers from throughout the country. The winners will be announced on March 22nd. Here are the shortlisted titles in the youth categories:
CHILDREN’S
The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dangerous Animals by Sami Bayly
Sing Me the Summer by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Alison Lester
YOUNG ADULT
Catch Me If I Fall by Barry Jonsberg
Future Girl by Asphyxia
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix
This One Is Ours by Kate O’Donnell
Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds, art by Danica Novgorodoff (9781534444959)
The original verse novel by Reynolds won many awards, including a Newbery Honor, Printz Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor. I was hesitant to take a look at the graphic novel version of the book, wondering how it could work. While the graphic novel does not improve the book (because how could it), instead it is like a new jazz version of the original, taking the story and transforming it into something similar but altogether different. This new graphic version is incredible, just as moving, tense and personal as the original.
Readers who may hesitate at picking up a verse novel will find this new version more approachable. Beautifully, Reynold’s wring is intact here, so many of his important lines and statements left to speak directly to the reader. Novgorodoff manages to transform the work with her art. She sweeps the pages with watercolor blues, fills violent parts with blood spattering red, highlights Will on his elevator journey through death and hope using color and light.
Amazing, transformative and fully in honor of the original work. Appropriate for ages 12-16.
Reviewed from copy provided by Atheneum.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
2021 Spring Preview: Kids’ books – Quill & Quire
Announcing Lee & Low Books’ 2020 New Voices Award Winner and Honor – The Open Book Blog
Netflix partners with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi for three projects based on his books – The Hollywood Reporter
Obituary: Kathleen Krull – Publishers Weekly
SCBWI Celebrates #OwnVoices “Celebrating Queer Voices” – SCBWI
These books will get your kids out of their reading rut – LifeHacker
Virtual library gives children in England free book access – BBC News
LIBRARIES
A life already saved: the power librarians hold, a guest post by B. B. Alston – Teen Librarian Toolbox
Milwaukee Public Library facing major budget shortfalls, considering recommendations – Spectrum News
YA LIT
6 YA adaptations coming to Netflix in 2021 – Netflix Life
January 2021 YA book releases – The Nerd Daily
Netflix lands adaptation of YA graphic novel ‘Heartstopper’ – Deadline
Picture books kept me going this year during the pandemic. So many of them were marvelous reads, written by ownvoices authors, and powerfully showing the experiences of children in our world today. Here are my picks for the best of the year, though the list could be so much longer!
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier (9781338574852)
“This book grounds children, showing they matter and that Black people matter, period.”
The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers (9780735263260)
“This is the first time that all three Fan brothers have worked on a book together. If they make things this great as a team, they should keep on working with one another.”
Being Frog by April Pulley Sayre (9781534428812)
“It’s a picture book distinctly from a human point of view, wondering about nature and giving space for those moments of thought for both the reader and the frog alike.”
Birrarung Wilam by Aunty Joy Murphy and Andrew Kelly, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy (9781536209426)
“The writing embraces the Aboriginal words, creating swirling and flowing lines of text that move like the river itself. Reading it aloud really lets the words sing out, evoking a place full of natural wonders.”
Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (9781626726314)
“Joy’s writing is powerful, singing on the page like a hymn. She writes simply but with great imagery and drawing in references to powerful African-Americans along the way.”
The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl (9781984893369)
“The focus here is on quality of life rather than wealth, on home rather than real estate, on love rather than land.”
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann (9781536207361)
“The picture book reads more like a comic book with panels and lots of speech bubbles. The Black family at the heart of the book gives it a fresh and inclusive take on being outside.”
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez (9781536207040)
“This is an entire world of apartments and friendship.”
Every Color of Light by Hiroshi Osada, illustrated by Ryoji Arai, translated by David Boyd (9781592702916)
“Illustrated with glorious paintings that show nature and the changing light, the book shimmers and shines. The changing light sweeps on the pages bringing sun shafts, pink lightning strikes, dark night, and a bright moon.”
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (9780525518778)
“This is a book all about empowerment, of seeing your own identity and holding it clear against what society may say about you. It’s a book that all children need, but Black boys most of all, as they are targeted and threatened by the world they live in.”
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith (9780823445592)
“The words around the boy in the morning connect with his inability to speak at times, the pine trees sticking out from his lips, the crow cawing from his throat, the moonlight shining from his mouth. Each of these gives readers a new way to experience a stutter, each beautiful and haunting.”
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall (9781452137797)
“Each item is marveled at for a bit, rather like picking up a gem and then moving on to the next amazing jewel. The entire book is a delight, looking at the earth and at humans as something to be proud of, to care for, and to adore.”
In a Jar by Deborah Marcero (9780525514596)
“There’s a beautiful tension between the beauty on the page and also the normalcy of it all.”
Little Fox by Edward van de Vendel & Marije Tolman (9781646140077)
“Throughout there is a feeling of joy and marvel, such as the memory of licking drops of water off of a deer’s nose. The book is also peppered with smaller moments, blackberries, birds, and orange balls.”
Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera (9781534454217)
“It’s a beautiful look at the small pieces of our days that create such deep connectivity.”
The Most Beautiful Thing by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Khoa Le (9781541561915)
“Yang vividly tells the story of her childhood, inviting readers into her childhood home to see the care and love there.”
My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki (9781534427228)
“A warm look at first friendships.”
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Francesca Sanna (9780811879101)
“Sanna’s art is bold and lovely, showing a young brown-skinned Earth playfully interacting in the world.”
Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harrison (9780525581130)
“A celebration of diversity that show how openness to being different creates community.”
Nesting by Henry Cole (9780062885920)
“Expect this one to have award buzz, it’s exceptional.”
The Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey (9781324005193)
“Delightfully modern and retro, this picture book is very special.”
The Ocean Calls by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow (9781984814869)
“A picture book about resilience, challenges and tradition.”
On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex (9781452181547)
“Hilarious, this is one you are bound to stick with until the end.”
An Ordinary Day by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic (9781481472623)
“Beautifully illustrated and written, this quiet book about death and life is a gem.”
Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki (9781419746550)
“Positive and kind, this is a community kitchen that everyone will want to join.”
Outside In by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby (9781328866820)
“It’s a book that insists that we not only look outside, but acknowledge our connection to nature and the outdoors and get outside!”
Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal (9780544707375)
“This picture book is a stellar marriage of story and illustrations.”
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade (9781250203557)
“The importance of standing up and of Native people being visible as modern members of our society is vital here.”
Why Do We Cry? by Fran Pintadera, illustrated by Ana Sender (9781525304774)
“This book not only supports that but explains the complexity of emotions and how they change and develop.”
You Matter by Christian Robinson (9781534421691)
“An anthem for all of us to hold in our hearts.”
YALSA, the Young Adult Library Services Association, has announced the titles included in their 2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens list. The list includes 126 titles selected from 145 official nominations. It’s one of the best library collection development tools for YA graphic novels. The committee also selected a Top Ten, which follows:
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
Blue Flag (vol 1-5) by Kaito
Fights: One Boy’s Triumph Over Violence by Joel Christian Gill
Go with the Flow by Karen Schneemann, art by Lily Williams
Guantánamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s Most Infamous Prison by Sarah Mirk, art by Gerardo Alba, Kasia Babis, Alex Beguez, Tracy Chahwan, Nomi Kane, et al
The Low, Low Woods by Carn Maria Machado, art by DaNi
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang, art by Gurihiru
Wonder Twins (vol. 1 & 2) by Mark Russell, art by Stephen Byrne
It was a year of incredible diversity in teen novels. Here are my favorites of the year:
Again Again by E. Lockhart (9780385744799)
“I particularly loved the characters that Lockhart creates here. They are maddening at times but also glorious individuals who are creative and interesting.”
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta (9780062990297)
“Just starting reading, it is clear that the poems are done by a master storyteller. They allow readers to deeply understand the struggles of Michael from his family life to friendships that come and go to coming out and then performing.”
The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg (9781338325034)
“He gives us the darkness and then the light, the ending portrayal of their stories are just what the reader needs, hope and unlikely friends.”
Burn by Patrick Ness (9780062869494)
“Ness as always surprises and amazes in this new novel. His world building is remarkable, combining alternative history of the late 1950’s with fantasy into a world that is entirely believable.”
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo (9780062882769)
“Beautifully written, this is another marvel of a read from Acevedo.”
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger (9781646140053)
“It’s a rich tapestry of fantasy, centered on Native American culture. That tapestry is impressive on its own but adding to the appeal is a deep murder mystery as well as a façade that must fall.”
Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh (9780525556206)
“Her verses are searing at times, other times like a dream, and still others a call to action. She writes with such compassion and courage here that it’s incredible that this is her first novel.”
Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri (9781646140008)
“It’s a world of stories that shows the tangled lives of immigrants, from what they have lost to what they discover as well.”
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson (9780062840356)
“Jackson writes with such raw power here. She harnesses growing tensions, fear for Enchanted’s life, and reader’s horror at the situation that Enchanted finds herself in.”
Kent State by Deborah Wiles (9781338356281)
“Brace yourself for this one. Wiles doesn’t pull any punches here. She allows all of the voices to speak, almost a chorus of the times, speaking about the draft, the Vietnam War, the incredible pressures on college students, the attitudes of the town, and the expectations for the National Guard.”
Layoverland by Gabby Noone (9781984836120)
“Hilarious, romantic and never dull, this novel is heavenly.”
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles (9780062349217)
“A frank look at sex, lies and toxic masculinity with a main character to cheer for, despite it all.”
Parachutes by Kelly Yang (9780062941084)
“Yang tells the story of Chinese parachute students who come to the United States for high school. Their experience is fascinating and unique.”
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam (9780062996480)
“Told in verse, this is a powerful book that insists that readers see how the system actually works, its inherent racism, and the way that Black youths, particularly boys, are seen by white communities and white teachers.”
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko (9781419739828)
“The depth of this teen novel is remarkable, particularly for a debut novel. It is a book that submerges the reader into a world they have never seen or experienced before.”
Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold (9780062742377)
“With ties to both fantasy and elements of allegory, this novel is dark and bloody, just right to be relished by young feminists.”
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown (9780062891495)
“Unique, detailed and fascinating, this first book in a series is a heady mix of African myth, political intrigue and fantasy.”
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (9781534457690)
“A dynamite first book in a dazzling fantasy series.”
Three Things I Know Are True by Betty Culley (9780062908025)
“Culley’s verse is written with the tautness of a violin string. Her words stretch and hum, resonant with meaning. She doesn’t use any extra words, her poetry spare and rich with emotion that goes unstated but fills the pages.”
Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry (9781616208967)
“Mabry’s novel is exceptional. Her writing is achingly beautiful, telling a story of profound grief and pain.”
Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus (9781419708978)
“A large part of the success here is Preus’ writing which contains a strong sense of justice and resistance in the face of the Gestapo.”
The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert (9781368053297)
“Political and romantic, this book is also a clarion call to vote and get involved.”
Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour (9780593108970)
“Gorgeously written and filled with icy darkness and glowing warmth, this novel is a triumph.”
The Way Back by Gavriel Savit (9781984894625)
“It is a great twisting and writhing story that the reader simply must give themselves up to and enjoy the journey.”
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee (9780358131434)
“Her writing is exceptional, moving from straightforward storytelling to passages that sing with poetic touches to direct verse. All of it screams of the injustice, demanding that people see what actually happened in the camps and the impossible decisions faced by the Japanese Americans who were held there.”
YALSA, the Young Adult Library Services Association, has released their list of the 2021 Best Fiction for Young Adults. The list contains 85 titles, selected from 124 official nominations. They have also selected a Top Ten, which appears below:
Be Not Far from Me by Mindy McGinnis
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Deeplight by Frances Hardinge
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
This Is My America by Jenny Torres Sanchez
What I Carry by Jennifer Longo
What an amazing year for middle grade books! Here are my picks of the best of the year:
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson (9780399545436)
“Told in Woodson’s dynamic verse, this book is stunningly written with a focus on ZJ himself and his present situation but also flashbacks to his father before he started having symptoms.”
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone (9781984892973)
“But it is the history of this family itself that makes the book special. Laced with guilt, memories and anger, the story is unique but also universal, though it likely has more sparkle than most family tales.”
Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet (9781536206197)
“There is so much to love here! Nesbet creates the daring and inventions of early film-making in this middle-grade novel.”
Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone (9781984816436)
“Firestone’s writing is fiery and offers a call to action, positively showing what can happen when you stand up.”
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk (9780525555568)
“One never knows what world will be revealed by a new Wolk novel, but readers can always be confident in a book that is extremely well written, robustly researched, and filled with unforgettable characters.”
Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros (9780062881687)
“The book is timely, speaking directly to situations that children across our country face every day if their parents are undocumented. The level of fear and dread that ICE has for these families, the danger of being deported, and the risks of returning to their families is all captured here.”
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (9781984815682)
“Bravo! One of the best of the year, if not one of the best of all time.”
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks (9780062875853)
“Marks writing is delectable. She moves seamlessly between writing about Zoe’s interest in baking and her time spent in a professional bakery helping out and then the mystery and drama of Marcus’ crime and his potential innocence.”
A Game of Fox & Squirrels by Jenn Reese (9781250243010)
“Reese entwines fantasy elements into this book that shows the deep consequences of abuse on a young person.”
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit (9780525554189)
“The character of Vivy is particularly strong. Her struggles with autism show how it impacts her life but doesn’t prevent her from doing things.”
The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson (9781338580839)
“Deep, fascinating and warming, this children’s novel is honey and an herbal salve for its readers.”
Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor (9780593113523)
“Super heroes, Nigeria, magic and adventure make for a unique and splendid read.”
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist (9780593121368)
“Baptist’s writing is child-centered and clarion clear. She demands that readers see Isaiah as more than a statistic, as a full human being, worthy of attention and help.”
Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar (9781338343809)
“An important and powerful call to see Latinx people held in border camps as humans first and always.”
The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead (9781101938096)
“Stead’s writing is deft and clever. She writes with so much empathy for children and a deep understanding for the puzzling situations they face in their lives.”
Loretta Little Looks Back by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (9780316536776)
“Told in three distinct voices that speak directly to the reader, this novel takes a direct look at the systemic racism that has created such privilege for some and injustice for others.”
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Iman Rasheed (9781419740831)
“At their heart though, each one is a positive force about seeing possibilities anew, finding ways to connect with one another, and pure joy.”
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park (9781328781505)
“This is a book that un-erases people from history.”
Rick by Alex Gino (9781338048100)
“Gino’s writing is a delightful mix of depth and lightness. They keep their tone light throughout the book and yet explore deep subjects of bullying and identity.”
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte (9781338255812)
“This ownvoices novel is a rich glimpse into the world of the deaf community and its long history in the United States.”
Trowbridge Road by Marcella Pixley (9781536207507)
“From the foundations of a fallen house where magic blossoms to the shelter of a large tree that can be scrambled up and down, this is a neighborhood seen through the eyes of two creative children who create their own reality together to care for one another.”
We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly (9780062747303)
“A deep and magnificent middle-grade novel.”
What Lane? by Torrey Maldonado (9780525518433)
“Maldonado has written a powerful story that unflinchingly shows the racism inherent in our society, the differences between the ways that white children and Black children are treated, and the dangers faced by Black teens in particular.”
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (9781524715700)
“Keller’s novel for middle grade readers explores the complexity of stories both in terms of folklore but also stories of previous generations in a family and the difficulties they faced in other countries and in traveling to the United States.”
Wink by Rob Harrell (9781984815149)
“Harrell’s book is downright hilarious, never allowing the book become too full of the harrowing nature of having a rare cancer and the impacts of the treatment.”
Waking Brain Cells 