Ashleigh Williams

Gripping fantastical journeys, family secrets, unbridled joy, and inconceivable loss: in these pages, tweens are facing it all. These 26 middle grade titles are exemplars across genre of the power of truth telling and embracing one's authentic self, even when it seems impossible. 

Debut author Craig Kofi Farmer spoke with SLJ about lovably chaotic characters, writing through grief, and the gravity and responsibility of honoring strong ancestors.

Debut author Craig Kofi Farmer spoke with SLJ about lovably chaotic characters, writing through grief, and the gravity and responsibility of honoring strong ancestors.

Readers can see the Goa-based artist’s work in two 2024 SLJ-starred titles, each distinct in format and scope: the cover of Saadia Faruqi's novel The Partition Project and the illustrations in Abigail Wheatley’s children’s cookbook, World Kitchen.

SLJ catches up with author Julian Randall to discuss growing a protagonist over a series, the importance of writing in community, and his next exciting middle grade adventure.

Check out SLJ’s exclusive interview, excerpt, and cover reveal of Roshani Chokshi’s highly anticipated new novel rooted in Filipino folklore, The Spirit Glass.

The renowned actor chats with SLJ about coming of age in tumultuous times, the importance of libraries, and how the summer of 2020 shaped his debut middle grade novel.

The debut author spoke with SLJ about releasing her first book during a pandemic, writing novels as a tween, and the key to balancing stories of loss with plenty of love.

In her newest middle grade offering, Erin Entrada Kelly exploresthe 1986Challenger launch and subsequent tragedy through the eyes of three siblings navigating their own difficult journeys. SLJ spoke with the author about her research processand keeping history alive for future generations.

Ten-year old Libby Scott’s essay about autism went viral in 2018. Now, the young author discussesher new book, Can You See Me? cowritten with Rebecca Westscott, in which a young autistic girl navigates big changes while trying to be seen and supported for who she is.

Mary Cecilia Jackson andSonja K. Solterdiscuss intuitive writing and thoughtfully addressing tough topics like sexual abuse for young readers.

The award-winning, author-illustrator duo speak to each other about illustrator's block, the Great Migration, and drawing inspiration from family histories past and present.

Writer Hena Khan shares insights on identity, and the creative process behind her newest middle grade book inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s classic.

The fifth year of New York’s LGBTQ comics convention saw its highest attendance yetand a wide variety of entertainment for geeks, gamers, cosplayers, and more.

Award-winning author Celia C. Pérez (The First Rule of Punk) spoke with SLJ about tactile story writing, activism, and living vicariously through one’s characters in Strange Birds: A Field Guide To Ruffling Feathers.

Longtime collaborators Renée Watson and ShadraStrickland discuss the creative process behindthe cover of Watson’s stunning upcoming middle grade novel, Some Places More Than Others.

Debut author Mills discussesthe inspiration behind her poignant middle grade novel,Indigenous representation in kid lit,and creating

The author and teachertalks about her debut novel, a sensitive yet honest look at a girl grappling with colorism, internalized self-hatred, and parents she can’t always count on.

Danza! Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México | SLJ DVD Review - News Letter Journal

K-Gr 4 –An artist’s social media sensation is lovingly brought to life in this standout title.