Writing Letters For older preschoolers and Kindergartners, a storytime about writing a letter can let them experiment with the format, even if they can’t write a full sentence. For a hands-on project, have the [continue reading]
Social Justice Children’s Book Fair Set for Dec. 5, 2026
The 10th Anniversary Social Justice Children’s Book Fair will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Emerson Elementary Come join us at Emerson Elementary School – 4803 Lawton Ave, Oakland, CA 94609- in Oakland [continue reading]
Whale, That Was Unexpected Review
Lyall, Casey. Whale, That Was Unexpected. Kathryn Durst, Illus. Tundra, 06/2026. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-77488-361-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. An old fisherwoman named Maude and her dog Claude go out for their daily fishing [continue reading]
Stampede! Review
Connors, Jerrold. Stampede! Jerrold Connors, Illus. Union Square, 08/2026. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-45495-922-9. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. After a cow is bitten by a horsefly, bored calves Jasper and Cleo set off a [continue reading]
Last Leaf Review
Biedrzycki, David. Last Leaf, The. David Biedrzycki, Illus. Charlesbridge, 09/2026. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-695-3. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In this brief story about self-esteem and perseverance, an elementary school-aged soccer player (who presents [continue reading]
Lions’ Run Read-alikes
READ-ALIKES The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker Angus, Sam. A Horse Called Hero. Avi. The Road from Nowhere. Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The Night War. Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. Gidwitz, [continue reading]
National Book Awards Longlist Announced
2026 National Book Awards – Young People Literature Longlist: The following books are longlisted for the 2026 National Book Award in the Young People’s Literature category (see below). The winners will be announced on November [continue reading]
ACL Meeting Friday, Oct. 9 at Oakland PL
ACL Meeting Friday, October 9, 2026: Just a quick reminder for our Bay Area members! Please join us for our ACL Meeting on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:00am-Noon, at the Oakland Public Library, 125 [continue reading]