LGBTQ
Tween
Why I Write Realistic and Relatable Young Rainbow Characters
I am not the first person to write about the importance of representation in kid lit, nor the thousandth, but as an out trans author of LGBTQIA+-themed middle grade titles, I do think I’m positioned to put my own inflection on the topic.
Tween
The Importance of Queer Representation in Middle Grade Fiction
While the YA genre is burgeoning with queer representation, books for middle grade readers are still sadly lacking such characters, themes, and stories.
Grown-Up Reads
We Are All Made of Stars: Jenni Fagan on Letting Kids, and Characters, Be Themselves
After writing several novels, I’ve realized that it takes time to get to know a character. They rarely turn up wholly formed. They change as life does. They grow and alter.
Teen
Going Beyond ‘I Don’t Know’: 3 Tips for Having Honest Conversations with Your Teenager
"Internet-famous" celebrity, author, and teen go-to Jeffrey Marsh has some advice for parents who are having trouble connecting with their kids.
Teen
Super Stories for Super Fans: 6 YA Novels for Fangirls and Fanboys
These young adult books do a marvelous job of showing how teens find love, understanding, and acceptance through modern fan-communities.
Teen
Through Her Eyes and in Her Words: Jazz Jennings Writes Her Own (Transgender) Story
Jazz Jennings is no ordinary 15-year-old. She has a show on TLC, a vast YouTube following, and now a book. Brightly spoke with Jazz and her mother Jeanette about what it’s like to be trans, and a teen, in America today.
Just For Fun
2015’s Biggest Moments in Children’s and YA Literature
We could write a whole book about what made 2015 such a special year for children's and YA literature, but we’ve winnowed the highlights down to a shortlist.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
7 Books That Teach Kids About the Fluidity of Gender and the Importance of Acceptance
Read these books to your child to help them better understand gender identity and to teach them about love, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
If You Liked This Book, Try ... A Summer Reading List Filled with Old and New Favorites
When it comes to summer reading selections, it's often helpful to get a comparison. Here are ten new books paired with ones you might have already enjoyed.
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Teen
Let’s Read About Sex: Books to Help with 'The Talk'
We gathered up sex-talk book recommendations appropriate whether you’ve got a kindergartner or a teen about to head off to college.
Tips & Advice
How to Diversify Your Child’s Bookshelves
There is a world of beautiful, complex tales out there. Here are a few ways to step outside our reading comfort zones to experience and share its richness.
Growing Reader
Tween
When Bigger Is Better: 8 Unforgettable Books About Big Families
Big families make for ready-made playmates, great adventures, and exciting stories. From silly to sweet, these eight families are ones you'll remember.