Dave Eggers, Vashti Harrison, and A.S. King’s big wins at the ALA Awards; a look at the future of the children’s publishing industry; and the suspension of a community reading of Katherine Applegate’s Wishtree by censors in Virginia were among PW’s most-clicked stories about kids’ and YA books in 2024. Here is our list of the top 15 articles, in ascending order of popularity. Catch up on some of the big stories you may have missed!
15. Publishers Issue Letter to NYC DOE Over Discarded Books
After a Gothamist report found that hundreds of children’s books had been thrown out on ideological grounds at a Staten Island elementary school, a group of publishers wrote a letter to the NYC Department of Education over what they called “unlawful censorship.”
14. 2023 Children’s Bestsellers: Standout Series, Spinoffs, and Staples
Our annual Facts and Figures compilation of children’s and YA bestsellers included a wide variety of titles, dominated by ever-expanding illustrated and graphic novel series and their spinoffs, YA movie tie-ins and sequels, and time-tested picture books.
13. Scholastic to Publish New Hunger Games Novel by Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth title in the series—and the first new book since the 2020 prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—is slated for March 18, 2025. It takes place 25 years before the events of The Hunger Games.
12. Children’s Books for Fall 2024: All Our Coverage
Our Fall Previews issue featured comprehensive A-to-Z listings of publishers’ titles for young readers due out in the second half of the year, and more.
Award-winning author-illustrator Petra Mathers, known for her naive-flavored pencil and watercolor artwork, died on February 6, at age 78. In all, she published more than 40 titles for young readers.
10. Spring 2025 Sneak Previews
Highlights of the forthcoming season’s children’s and YA titles—including highly anticipated debuts, follow-ups to bestselling novels, and collaborations between favorite authors and illustrators—can be seen in our exclusive roundup.
BookTokker and bestselling romantasy author Lauren Roberts’s latest YA book Powerful takes place during the events of her debut YA fantasy series launch Powerless, which Simon & Schuster released in 2023 following its initial run as a self-published novel. In a conversation with PW, Roberts reflected on how her writing has evolved over the years, and how creating content on TikTok influenced her publishing journey.
8. Where Should the Caldecott Sticker Go?
After the Caldecott Medal is bestowed, publishers scramble to put the shining golden seal in the perfect cover spot. We asked creative teams to share how they negotiate the precise location of the seal.
7. Just Announced: 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid #19' by Jeff Kinney
The 19th installment of Jeff Kinney’s bestselling series, Hot Mess, was released on October 22 from Amulet Books.
Our exclusive roundup of the season’s children’s and YA titles included buzzy debuts, follow-ups to favorite novels, noteworthy collaborations, and more.
5. Balzer + Bray Imprint to Move to Macmillan Children’s
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group announced that Alessandra Balzer and Donna Bray will bring their Balzer + Bray imprint to MCPG. The duo is departing HarperCollins after 15 years. As co-publishers, they will build a new list of picture books, middle grade, YA fiction, and graphic novels.
4. New 'Dog Man' Book and Film Announced
Scholastic published Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, the 13th book in Dav Pilkey's blockbuster graphic novel series, on December 3. Also on the horizon is an animated feature from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, scheduled for global theatrical release in January 2025.
3. In Virginia, Censors Attempt to Axe 'Wishtree'
Floyd County Public Schools suspended a community reading of Katherine Applegate’s 2017 novel following complaints that the novel depicts a monoecious red oak—a tree with both male and female reproductive parts. “The irony is that Wishtree is about community and kindness and tolerance,” Applegate said.
2. What’s Ahead for Kids’ Books in 2024?
Few in children’s publishing were sorry to see the end of 2023; the year was marked by a record level of book bans, softening sales, and concerns over the number of kids reading for fun. But reflecting on the year ahead, publishers and agents still found much to feel optimistic about, with a few caveats.
1. Eggers, Harrison, King Win 2024 Newbery, Caldecott, Printz Awards
The Youth Media Awards were announced January 22 during the ALA’s LibLearnX conference in Baltimore. Dave Eggers won the John Newbery Medal for The Eyes and the Impossible, Vashti Harrison won the Randolph Caldecott Medal for Big—becoming the first Black woman to earn the prize—and The Collectors, compiled by A.S. King, won the Michael L. Printz Award.
