Alicia D. Williams traces her love of storytelling back to her childhood when she listened to tales told by family elders and read books she borrowed from a bookmobile. Now the award-winning writer—whose recognition includes a Newbery Honor—creates titles ranging from picture books to middle grade novels. Williams’ newest picture book is Nani and the Lion [...]

“I like to write characters who manage to find silver linings,” says Holly Goldberg Sloan. Her newest middle grade novel, Finding Lost (Rocky Pond Books, 2025), features another of these endearing, resilient characters. Cordy is a middle-schooler who is mourning the death of her father and grappling with change. With Cordy’s character, Sloan strikes a seamless balance [...]

If a new Wimpy Kid book isn’t enough reason for a celebration, then how about the release of the twentieth title in this phenomenally popular series? Partypooper (Amulet Books, 2025) appropriately features a major milestone for character Greg Heffley: a birthday bash that takes as many unforeseen turns as fans have come to expect from their favorite series. Greg may be [...]