As the year comes to a close, we’re celebrating Astra Books for Young Readers’ Best Of 2023 books as voted on by readers! 🏅 A 2023 Horn Book Fanfare Book Who was Coretta Scott King? Her black-veiled image at the funeral of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was moving and iconic. This book introduces readers to... Read More

Wrap up your holiday shopping for the kids on your list with a little help from the stars. Minerva‘s editorial director Maria Russo has rounded up a list of recommended titles based on every child’s Zodiac sign. ARIES (March 21–April 19): Pangolina It’s no surprise that the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall is herself an Aries.... Read More

Beatrice Alemagna is the author of PEPPER AND ME, now a Kids’ Indie Next Pick. DEAR READER, when I wrote about a girl and the scab on her knee, I was transported back to the painful moments in my own childhood when I fell off my bike or tripped in the schoolyard. I knew this... Read More

‘Tis the season for gifting! 🎁 Delight all kinds of young readers in your life with these book recommendations. For the reader who loves firefighters (& Richard Scarry!) “Firefighters to the Rescue!” written and illustrated by R.W. Alley Follow along as the officers of Breezy Valley answer the call to protect their beloved town. Ladders,... Read More

We asked a few of our authors to share what they love about their local indie bookstore and here’s what they had to say. Kristen Britain, author of the Green Rider series Sherman’s is Maine’s oldest bookstore, and one of the top 10 oldest bookstores in the U.S. renowned for its welcoming staff and the... Read More

Great gifts for every reader. Read More

Looking for holiday gifts for book lovers? Look no further. These books offer escape, adventure, passion—and each one is an invitation into a world all its own. Hot New Fantasy Dragonfall by L.R. Lam Order now: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books A Million • Bookshop.org For the reader who wants some romance with... Read More

Six reasons why you should check out these DAW duologies: Perfect Must-read Duologies from DAW The Desert Magician’s Duology “An epic collision of new tech and elemental magic—suspensful, immersive, and chillingly relevant. Another stunning feat of imagination from Nnedi Okorafor.” —Leigh Bardugo In the witty space opera that is The Thorne Chronicles—which gives Princess Leia... Read More

Make this Thanksgiving season (and beyond!) the coolest one yet by celebrating positivity, kindness, and, of course, gratitude . . . with some ideas inspired by the gang from One Cool Duck. One Cool Duck is an early reader graphic novel series by Mike Petrik. Beaded Bracelets for Your Buddies Set a message of positivity this... Read More

Want a chance to win a brand new coin from Patrick Rothfuss's bestselling Kingkiller world by just being your awesome self? Read More