
Heavy Medal
February 14, 2022 by Betsy Bird
Read the letter penned by a coalition of more than 250 influential educators and librarians. They're asking the New York Times to add three children’s nonfiction bestseller lists to complement the existing lists that focus on juvenile fiction
January 14, 2022 by Betsy Bird
It is the easiest thing in the world to write a mediocre picture book biography. Writing one that’s as good as Out of the Shadows, that knows precisely where to cut the story, how to present the art, and then allows you to fall in love with the subject? Such books are uncommon little gems.
December 28, 2021 by Betsy Bird
These are the Nonfiction Picture Books of the year that I just feel went above and beyond the call of duty. Many you've seen on previous lists. Some will be entirely new to you.
November 19, 2021 by Betsy Bird
Waka T. Brown fills her latest book with all the pathos, yearning, frustrations, and humor you might find in a middle grade novel. The important difference? It’s all true. It’s all real. It’s all enthralling.
November 4, 2021 by Betsy Bird
How do you write a bio of someone who was never actually alive? An impressive bio of a symbol that retains her importance even today.
September 17, 2021 by Betsy Bird
A thoroughly rousing story, deserving of wider acclaim. The package may be lacking but the contents are gold.
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September 15, 2021 by Betsy Bird
Melissa Stewart was kind enough to answer my questions about her book 5 Kinds of Nonfiction last week. Now she returns with Cynthia Levinson, and Jennifer Swanson to discuss a recent news article that had some real gaps.
September 7, 2021 by Betsy Bird
What is it about Melissa, author of more than 180 science books for children, and her work that taps so directly into where we are in 2021 and the current state of informational books for kids? Her new book, 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, seems to offer some answers. So too does this interview.
August 6, 2021 by Betsy Bird
Deftly capturing the majesty, mystery, and downright good looks of foxes, this book is a rarity. Photographs galore highlight the mysterious world of the fox.
June 22, 2021 by Betsy Bird
This book is NOT the only book on the subject that will ever be written, but right now it appears to be the only book so far. And I’m just relieved that it was good to begin with. A beautifully designed supplement.
The Yarn
by Travis Jonker
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