Witness: Poems to Address the Past, Present, and Future of Policing is a wide-ranging collection that sprung from a simple invitation to share stories. It includes contributions from nearly forty poets, including Ada Limón, Jason Reynolds, Erin Entrada Kelly, Danez Smith, and Amanda Gorman. It explores experiences and emotions related to policing and over-policing by various law enforcement officers and agencies, touching on everything from the slave trade to an ICE agent killing Renee Good in early 2026. We had the great privilege of talking more about the collection with the co-anthologists Ari Tyson and Ty Chapman.

In the middle grade adventure A Boy Called Hero, 12-year-old Hero De Rosario embarks on a journey 100 years in the past and helps his ancestors resist Spanish oppression in the Philippines. Suddenly he discovers that he may be able to live up to his name after all. This time-travel adventure story is all about finding ways to make a difference, connect with others, and be true to yourself no matter where (or when) you are. Today, we will hear from author Marie Miranda Cruz as she shares her writing journey with…

The Cloak From Baghdad follows Flora, a young woman growing up in 1970s London. Her parents and grandmother fled Iraq forty years ago, but no one will tell her why. She gets her answers when a magical cloak—an abaya—transports Louise back in time to her mother’s childhood. This historical middle-grade employs color and imagery to bring readers into a world that may be unfamiliar to many and the time-travel element introduces the once flourishing community of Iraqi Jews. Today we welcome Carol Isaacs, author and illustrator of The Cloak From Baghdad…

Not just any animal can live in the treetops— it needs special adaptations to help it survive. We Live in Trees!: Amazing Animal Adaptions teaches readers about all sorts of cool critters that have developed their own unique skills and traits to help them survive in their environments. Today, author Heather Alexander shares with us the inspiration behind We Live in Trees, the research journey she went on to create this entertaining nonfiction, and the importance of environmental education in literature.

Can objects link us to each other and our pasts? What sorts of objects hold that special power? These are questions that author Monica Rojas explores in her new title, Patchwork Memories. This sweet picture book follows a grandchild who finds an old family quilt, wherein each patch holding a meaningful story of her grandmother's, who can no longer share those stories. Today, Monica Rojas shares with us a little bit more about Patchwork Memories, including the real-life inspiration behind the story as well as what she hopes young readers will take away from her words.

Spooky season is upon us, but fear not! We still have you covered with the latest and greatest releases. Take a look at this collection to see the new picture books, young adult novels, graphic novels, and nonfiction books coming to bookstores everywhere today!

Award-winning creator Leo Timmers's newest picture book, Kiki and Me, tells the story of an unforgettable friendship between a girl and her horse, exploring themes of companionship, growing up, and the passage of time. Through a unique blend of intimate black-and-white drawings and sweeping wordless color spreads, the book invites young readers to experience both the joy and heartbreak that come with change. Praised in multiple starred reviews for its emotional depth and breathtaking artwork, Kiki and Me is already resonating with librarians, educators, and families alike. Today, Leo Timmers joins us to discuss the personal experiences behind the story, his innovative illustration techniques, and why this picture book is unlike any he has created before.

Advocates for the freedom to read across the country share their wins, challenges, and opportunities as the work enters year six.

by Sue Heavenrich September is National Mushroom month and I am so happy to welcome Karen Latchana Kenney to the GROG this week so we can t...

In 1628, a controversial medical pamphlet by William Harvey challenged previous scientific beliefs by claiming that blood moved in a circle through the body. This discovery was dismissed as a dangerous lie, but a similar revelation had been made by Ibn al-Nafis, an Arab physician, who made a similar discovery 300 years before. An Astonishing Circle: The Discovery and Denial of the Circulatory System is the story of how humans came to understand the circulatory system. Today author Maria Parrott-Ryan joins us to share her own journey of discovery, the most surprising piece of research she found, and her love of science stories.

Come one, come all! Witness the marvels of the circus with the new middle grade novel from award-winning author Lupe Ruiz-Flores. Set in 1939, Paloma Joins the Circus follows twelve-year-old Paloma as she travels with la carpa, her Mexican American family's tent show. Determined to follow in her late mother's footsteps, she sets out to show her father that she has what it takes to be a tightrope walker. But she also discovers circus life isn't all glamour, and she must decide if la carpa is where she's truly meant to be.

New books for a new school year! We have a load of new titles coming out in September, from a picture book about dino good deeds to a powerful poetry anthology exploring policing in the United States. Grab your notebooks and pencils! You'll want to add all of these to your school's reading list.

In this Author POV, we highlight three recent environmental nonfiction books from award-winning children's author Patricia Newman.

Allow us to welcome our newest publishing partner--Inquisitive Press! Inquisitive Press publishes eye-catching nonfiction series for young readers. Their aim is to make reading and learning fun by tapping into children’s natural curiosity. Take a closer look at their Fall 2026 new releases, now available from Lerner!

Light the candles and slice the cake! We have a whole new slate of incredible titles arriving on shelves this August. Grab your bookmark and join us in celebrating these incredible new picture books, middle grade, nonfiction and more as they officially make their way into the hands of young readers everywhere!

YouTube video by Gecko Press

The final weekend of June marked the 150th Anniversary of the ALA Annual Conference. From June 25th to June 29th, librarians, publishers, and authors packed the streets of Chicago to celebrate the communities they've built and the stories they've told. Lerner Publishing Group was no exception. The booth hosted ten signings and countless incredible discussions, and authors gathered at the Lerner happy hour. Many Lerner employees and authors attended ceremonies to honor the Youth Media Award winners. Want a front-row seat to the best moments? Read on!

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, these books highlight the diverse voices and defining events that built the United States. These standout titles—spanning biography, history, and series nonfiction—offer fresh ways for readers to explore the past while connecting it to the present.

Can you believe we’re almost halfway through June? Over the first half of 2026, our fiction and nonfiction titles have captivated readers everywhere. Here is a look at the twenty-four standout stars highlighted by reviewers!

We have one very special book celebrating its release in June. Read on to discover the latest and greatest naptime picture book, perfect for lounging in the summer sun!

“I am interested in what it takes to be the happy endings that our elders have been waiting for.” – Kao Kalia Yang Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American teacher, speak…

Adventure, friendship, growth. The Summer Scrapbook tests the bonds of three best friends, Ava, Becca, and Cat, as they tackle their first summer apart. They vow to stay in touch through letters and collect souvenirs of their experiences to compile into a joint scrapbook at the end of the summer. As the girls step out of their comfort zones—and out of the roles they each play in the trio—they find themselves and their friendship changing and growing. Author Florence Migga joins us today to share her experience writing the book, her creative choices, and her hopes for young readers.

The World Cup is quickly approaching and all young soccer fans are on waiting to see who comes out on top! Encourage their love of the game and the love of reading in one fell swoop with this new, high-energy picture book from author John Coy.

Oprah Winfrey, George Saunders, David Sedaris, Tayari Jones, and 21 others pick the books that speak to a country as a crossroads

New titles aim to inspire teens to raise their voices.

Picture books remain one of the most joyful ways to spark curiosity, connection, and early literacy. This roundup highlights standout titles perfect for story times, classroom read‑alouds, and everything in between.

We are happy to showcase these new titles to inspire young readers and build excitement for the fast-approaching summertime!

Lerner Publishing Group is committed to providing quality, relevant library and classroom resources that better prepare students for the future while exciting their imaginations on every page.

Amanda McCrina is the author of the new young adult novel Beyond Seven Forests . Her other books include The Silent...