Protect the freedom to read & show your support for Banned Books Week!
Pick up THE BEAUTIFUL SOMETHING ELSE today & check out my full interview with @aldervanotterloo.bsky.social at: www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/intervi...
#kidlit #middlegrade #lgbtq #BannedBookWeek #BanBookBanning
![This image discusses recent kidlit stories in children’s literature and features two picture books by author and illustrator Blanca Gómez. Against a pale blue background, in the top right corner is a large image of the cover of author-illustrator Blanca Gómez’s picture book BOOKIE & COOKIE. To the left of the book are the words: “Reviews for.” Below that are 3 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The first review from Publishers Weekly says: “a gentle illustration of how close friendships can require adjustments as well as give and take.” The second review from Kirkus says: “Bookie and Cookie demonstrate that conflict between friends isn’t a deal breaker, but rather an opportunity to deepen a relationship and practice flexibility.” The third review from Booklist says: “there’s plenty to enjoy in the uncluttered, engaging illustrations…[that] clearly depict the characters tastes and emotional states.” To the left of the reviews is an illustration of Cookie and Bookie. Below that to the bottom left is an image of Blanca’s picture book BOOKIE & COOKIE TURN THE PAGE with the words “Available now” above it. To the right of that, a review from School Library Journal says the sequel: “teaches young children the importance of mindset and perspective, making it a first purchase for all collections.” At the bottom is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-blanca-gomez](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreibh6sak63fhaypuxsb5tbbasas2w4bw37l4ukvln3c47k5xfzwaaq)
![The image discusses children’s literature and features Janae Marks’ middle grade novel, A SOFT PLACE TO LAND, a children’s book about a child navigating a new home, friendships, and family financial struggles, all while trying to solve a mystery. Against a background of graph notebook paper, at the top left the title reads: “BOOK Reviews.” At the top right is the cover of Janae Marks’ middle grade book A SOFT PLACE TO LAND. To the left and below the book cover are 5 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top starred review from Booklist says: “Blending mystery with realistic fiction, Joy’s story of how complicated life is for a kid will resonate with readers in tender and poignant ways.” Around the image are various stars and swirls. The second review from School Library Journal says: “an engaging coming-of-age story that will appeal to a wide range of readers.” The third review from Kirkus says: “a bittersweet story of silent perseverance and kids working for themselves.” The fourth review from BookPage says: “A Soft Place to Land explores class in a story-driven way that never feels heavy-handed.” The fifth starred review from Publishers Weekly says: “[P]oignant and affirmative, this sophomore novel by Marks…imparts invaluable messages on growing up, being honest, and communicating hard feelings to loved ones.” Around the image are various stars and swirls. At the bottom right is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-janae-marks](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreickuhzxtxehtdwo5osfwd6yfvsxlslhlmuiczwnt3rphd5t2hwut4)
![The image discusses children’s literature and features Janae Marks’ middle grade novel, A SOFT PLACE TO LAND, a children’s book about a child navigating a new home, friendships, and family financial struggles, all while trying to solve a mystery. Against a background of graph notebook paper, at the top right the title reads: “BOOK Author Notes.” At the top left is the cover of Janae Marks’ middle grade book A SOFT PLACE TO LAND. To the right and below the book cover are two quotes from Janae Marks. The first quote reads: “[T]he themes of A SOFT PLACE TO LAND are what make it universal. Kids move, make new friends, and make mistakes all the time. Even if a young reader can’t relate to Joy’s move, they can still connect with the general friendship and family themes.” The second quote reads: “What I love about diverse literature is how they are windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for readers. Books featuring all kids of characters, family dynamics and living situations show young readers that there isn’t just one way for people to exist.” Around the image are various stars and swirls. At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-janae-marks](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreifjrnpihovkyvflsux2v2opysr3ozlfuejbiefiafhws3w7iy4tae)
![The image discusses children’s literature and promotes Anna Lazowski and Enni Heikura’s picture book IMPERFECTLY PERFECT POSEY, an illustrated children’s book about a child embracing mistakes as she learns yoga. Against a nature background with a white blanket on the grass in front of a tree, the title reads: “Perfect’s NOT the point.” Below the title to the left is a large image of the cover of the picture book IMPERFECTLY PERFECT POSEY, written by Lizzie Brooks and illustrated by Enni Heikura. To the right of the book are 2 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top starred review from Kirkus says: “A bighearted story with a meaningful message of perserverance.” The bottom review from Forward says: “encouraging…[with] humorous and magical flourishes.” Below the reviews at the bottom is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-lizzie-brooks](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreiabeeahnkh4gku76ympesweuvrmocnq7iau4wetom2colsejujrre)
![The image discusses children’s literature and promotes Anna Lazowski and Jennica Lounsbury’s picture book I BUILT A ROCKET SHIP, an illustrated children’s book about a child experiencing grief. Against a dark blue background speckled in white, the title reads: “Grief in Kidlit.” Below the title to the right is a large image of the cover of the picture book I BUILT A ROCKET SHIP, written by Anna Lazowski and illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury. To the left of the book are 3 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top starred review from School Library Journal says: “an outstanding book on loss and grief…a must for all children’s collections.” The middle starred review from Kirkus says: “a thoughtful, considered look at loss that reaches for the stars.” The bottom review from Bulletin says: “[t]he tone is quiet, almost understated—this is a profound grief but not, at least at the moment, a stormy one.” Below the reviews at the bottom left is a quote from Anna that reads: "Often, when we talk about death and loss with kids, there’s a vague explanation offered…The idea of a child building a rocket ship to help them reach the person they’ve lost is the type of thing that would make perfect sense to a kid processing a deep sense of grief for the first time. ~Anna Lazowski." Around the graphic are 3 quilted stars and a quilted moon in shades of blue jeans and white. At the bottom right is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-anna-lazowski](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreieqk6ip2m5jqbhcd4ifisbritwuxiunzhi5bcgrxbwgttiuwjo2fy)
![This image discusses neurodivergence and inclusivity in children’s literature and features the picture book ALL THE WAYS WE LEARN written by author Chloe Ito Ward and illustrated by Yaroslava Apollonova. Against a cream background with a pale tan grid pattern in the top left and bottom right corners, the title reads: “There’s No One Right Way to Learn.” The subtitle reads, “How do you learn best?” In the bottom right is the cover of the picture book ALL THE WAYS WE LEARN written by author Chloe Ito Ward and illustrated by Yaroslava Apollonova. Above the book cover is the following text with an arrow pointing to the book: “Discover more in ALL THE WAYS WE LEARN by Chloe Ito Ward and Yaroslava Apollonova.” In the middle left are 2 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top review is a starred review from Publishers Weekly that says: “[An] open-armed portrait of differentiated learning.” The bottom review from Kirkus says: “Sweetly empowering.” At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-chloe-ito-ward](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreiegyfylid4soojhux7esfytkrpami4lqtizkwl3usygqafzit3ssq)
![This image discusses social justice kidlit stories in children’s literature and features two picture books by author Valerie Bolling. Against a pale pink background with light blue strips in the top left and bottom right corners, the title reads: “This or That: Juneteenth Edition with Valerie Bolling.” On the top left is the cover of the picture book THE MARCH FOR HOPE written by Valerie Bolling and illustrated by Monica Mikai. In the middle is “Fiction” with a squiggly line to THE MARCH FOR HOPE. Below that are 2 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. On the middle right is a starred review from School Library Journal that says: “Stirring and relevant…Meaningful and celebratory, this is an empowering story…to remind [readers] of the strength and importance of raising their voices in support of equity and justice.” On the middle left is a review from Publishers Weekly that says: “[A] bright-eyed narrative…Mikai’s warm, sunrise-toned artwork amplifies the text’s optimism.” At the bottom right, a quote in a blue box rimmed in black reads: “As with most things in life, children need models, and these models can be found in stories. When children read about a character they can relate to, who has spoken up, it encourages them to do the same. ~Valerie Bolling.” At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-valerie-bolling](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreieqd2aonffdaiisofdjx5nl3wtj7tizq6nogybmcrdeyzcdbrvima)
![This image discusses social justice kidlit stories in children’s literature and features two picture books by author Valerie Bolling. Against a pale pink background with light blue strips in the top left and bottom right corners, the title reads: “This or That: Juneteenth Edition with Valerie Bolling.” On the top left is the cover of the picture book A FLEA FOR JUSTICE: MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN STANDS UP FOR CHANGE written by Valerie Bolling and illustrated by TeMika Grooms. In the middle is “Nonfiction” with a squiggly line to A FLEA FOR JUSTICE. Below that are 2 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. On the middle right is a review from Publishers Weekly that says: “[A] forthright picture book biography of children’s and civil rights leader Marian Wright Edelman.” On the middle left is a review from Kirkus that says: “a spirited account of a life devoted to service.” At the bottom right, a quote in a blue box rimmed in black reads: “We need to read stories to children that feature positive role models who have stood up for change and made a positive different in our community and world. When we read these stories to children, and have rich discussions about the concepts and themes in the stories, this inspires children to use their voices to be changemakers themselves. ~Valerie Bolling.” At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-valerie-bolling](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreidz3mrrguqxnm6yjtjhoxncp25o7v7jdxibuomiapwa272irxgtzq)
![The image discusses quiet stories in children’s literature and shares author-illustrator Sarah Kurpiel’s picture book MORE THAN A TREE, an illustrated children’s book about the circle of life and processing sad feelings. Written in a journal against a nature background, the title reads: “‘Quiet’ Kidlit.” Below the title is a quote from Sarah Kurpiel that reads: “Different types of books light up different parts of our personalities…the more types of stories kids have the opportunity to explore, the better…[T]he term ‘quiet’ can be misleading because quiet books often explore loud emotions…[T]hose types of books are incredibly valuable for young readers. They’re part of the wonderful, varied landscape of picture books.” Below the quote to the right is a small image of the cover of Sarah Kurpiel’s picture book MORE THAN A TREE. To the left of the book is the following text: “In its starred review, School Library Journal said this of Sarah’s book, MORE THAN A TREE: “The lovely pastel artwork mirrors the gentle spirit of this story, which also comes with a message of hope and responsibility. This one has its own quietly joyful message of shared family experiences and the healing that comes over time.” Vertically along the right spine of the journal page is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-sarah-kurpiel](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreiguwscvpa3krpc3u2jbzqdfxndg2e3qfqa4lwoifhrvycmw7mk5fq)
![This image shares discusses queer joy in kidlit and features a picture book about a child rallying a community to help a neighbor during Pride. Against a gray background with rainbows at the top left and bottom right, the title reads: “Queer Joy Kidlit.” Below the title to the right is a large image of the cover of Lesléa Newman’s and Z. B. Asterplume’s picture book, RAINBOW COOKIES. To the left of the book are 3 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top review from Bulletin says: “[This story] showcases a young kid rallying the troops for a good cause…[in a] warm tale of community and togetherness.” The middle starred review from Forward says: “[a] wistful, ultimately uplifting picture book that encourages reaching out to those around you.” The bottom review from Kirkus says: “With an emphasis on friendship and love rather than fear or negativity, this book will gently guide conversations with young children that leave them feeling empowered.” Below the reviews is a quote from Lesléa that reads: "Books about Pride are important for children in families with LGBTQ+ members because they provide the opportunity for readers to see themselves and their loved ones depicted on the page and feel validated and that they belong. It is also important for children who don’t have LGBTQ+ members in their family to read these books and learn about the beauty and diversity of the world in which we live. ~ Lesléa Newman." At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-leslea-newman](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreifqbjaa76enrgtspk5iutbpszadx7hldnu6ywot4ocnkmwxhuulii)
![Written in a journal against a colorful tile background, the title reads: “’Didactic’ Kidlit.” Below the title is a quote from Moniza Hossain that reads: "[W]e tend to assume didactic stories are preachy and boring. My controversial hot take on ‘didacticism’ is that all books, even the fun books and the silly books, are ultimately didactic. All stories contain some sort of message about the world…But for the message to land, the story needs to be compelling…Kids have always loved didactic books. It’s just that they don’t always notice they’re being taught, which is a hallmark of a good lesson.” Below the quote to the left is a small image of the cover of Moniza Hossain’s picture book RITU IN THE SUN. To the right of the book is the following text: “In its starred review, School Library Journal said this of Moniza’s book, RITU IN THE SUN: ‘It’s hard to teach self-acceptance and self-esteem to young children, but this book does so in an indirect, organic way.’” Vertically along the left spine of the journal page is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-moniza-hossain
The image discusses didacticism in children’s literature and promotes Moniza Hossain’s and Mercè López’s picture book RITU IN THE SUN, an illustrated children’s book about colorism.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreiaqbc4z4dptvxlgzqr335sz2t724fqdikririmhdunm4xs7k7c4ly)
![Against a yellow background with sun watermarks, the title reads: “RITU Shines Brightly.” Below the title to the left is a large image of the cover of Moniza Hossain’s picture book RITU IN THE SUN. To the right of the book are 3 starred reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top review from Kirkus says: “a joyful and tender story of building understanding and generational bonds.” The middle review from Booklist says: “[a] lyrical exploration of colorism and self-acceptance through the gentle eyes of a young child.” The bottom review from Horn Book says: “the lyrical text offers a shift in perspective that comes with love and understanding.” All three reviews are listed as a “Starred review” with a red star. Below the reviews at the bottom right is a quote from Moniza that reads: "Children are so varied in their needs and interests, and it’s so important for books to be equally varied so that every child is catered to. ~Moniza Hossain." At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-moniza-hossain](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreif2xp7ssus72b2bmo5oa6mp5q2qv7eagowioz2hlytomfqt2e3bla)
![Against a pink background with scattered flowers and hearts, the title reads: “Just in time for Mother’s Day.” On the left is a large image of the cover of Deborah Freedman’s picture book, FLOWERS FOR MAMA. To the left of the book are 2 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top starred review from Kirkus says: “an enchanting story that honors both the artistic journey and the blooms that—eventually-result.” The bottom review from Publishers Weekly says: “multidimensional art expansively showcases myriad ways to say ‘I love you.’” Below the reviews is a quote from Deborah that reads: "I decided to make a book that celebrates the varied ways and naturally exuberant way [kids] already express themselves, a book full of art that they could imagine making immediately. ~Deborah Freedman." At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-deborah-freedman](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreif7iofcimdzbzaoxx5zhuikctrcbd2zck3ifutatyjc3zmaiha56m)
![Against a decorative background with a sari watermark, the title reads: “Reviews for MUSIC OF THE BELLS.” On the left is a large image of the cover of Anitha Robinson’s picture book, MUSIC OF THE BELLS. To the left of the book are 2 reviews, each with the reviewer’s icon. The top review from School Library Journal says: “a warm, culturally rich story of identity and belonging.” The bottom review from Kirkus says: “a thoughtful take on bridging cultures and expressing emotions through art.” Below the reviews on the right over a bell shape is a quote from Anitha that reads: "[B]ooks that showcase diverse, multicultural characters [show] children that regardless of how we look or what part of the world we live in, we still have a lot in common. ~Anitha Robinson." At the bottom left is “Exclusive Interview” with an arrow pointing to: https://www.sarahsteinbacher.com/blog/interview-anitha-robinson](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k2mhubwq7pytepi5jhanjkto/bafkreieoa7gqhcpgou3tzkpjkqrddvrqr32ezf5ynfhmh3kw6pigoeoube)
