Join Penguin and School Library Journal on March 6 for the seventh annual Middle Grade Magic virtual event, a day-long celebration of authors and creators dedicated to crafting literature for readers ages eight through 12. Get a first look at some of the most anticipated new titles for your young readers, from modern coming-of-age tales to eye-popping graphic novels to immersive fantasy.
Below is a sneak preview of the authors and promotions we’ll have at this year’s event. You can register for the FREE event HERE.
11:05 – 11:50 AM ET | Finding Yourself
Navigate the journey of self-discovery through unique voices and diverse perspectives.
Pablo Cartaya, Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation (Penguin Young Readers)
Steph Cherrywell, Unboxing Libby (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
H.E. Edgmon, Defanged (Macmillan Children’s)
Tori Tadiar, Daybreaker (Disney)
Moderator: Ashley Rayner, Librarian at NORC, University of Chicago (IL)
1:30 – 2:15 PM ET | Turning Points
Thoughtful stories capture the ups, downs, and unexpected turns that help young readers find their path in the world.
Dusti Bowling, Holding on for Dear Life (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
Jasminne Paulino, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez (Penguin Young Readers)
Heidi E. Y. Stemple, The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Astra Books for Young Readers)
Jill Tew, Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement (Disney)
Moderator: Alea Perez, Youth Services Manager, Roselle Public Library (IL)
2:20 – 3:00 PM ET | Newbery Authors: Memorable Characters
Newbery winning authors discuss the art of creating unforgettable stories and the characters that have inspired generations of readers.
Katherine Applegate, Pocket Bear (Macmillan Children’s)
Derrick Barnes, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze (Penguin Young Readers)
Shannon Hale, Dream On (Macmillan Children’s)
2:20 – 3:00 PM ET | Newbery Authors: Memorable Characters
Newbery winning authors discuss the art of creating unforgettable stories and the characters that have inspired generations of readers.
Andrea Beatriz Arango, It’s All or Nothing, Vale (Random House Children’s Books)
Karen Cushman, When Sally O’Malley Discovered the Sea (Random House Children’s Books)
Rebecca Stead, The Experiment (Macmillan Children’s)
Lauren Wolk, Candle Island (Penguin Young Readers)
OTHER RESOURCES
Bring Kyle Lukoff’s acclaimed, page-turning fantasy adventure into your class or library with this educator guide filled with activities, discussion questions, and other resources!
Download the Guide!
Looking to discover books that are prefect for that Young YA (11-14 year old) reader? Check out our middle school booklist with tons of reads across a variety of genres and formats!
Explore the Booklist!
Climate discussoins in your class or library can often be positioned as a sad or tough conversation but it doesn’t have to be! There is hope! Get tips and ideas on how to bring Climate education to your readers in a positive way and books that can help with those discussions!
Download the Guide!