The Lerner Blog

The Pecan Sheller: An Interview with Author Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Set in 1930s San Antonio, The Pecan Sheller follows thirteen-year-old Petra whose aspirations are put on hold after her father’s death leaves her caring for younger siblings and supporting her struggling stepmother. Forced to leave school, Petra endures grueling conditions as she works in a pecan-shelling factory. When tragedy strikes due to the unhealthy environment […]Read more

Remembering Harry Lerner, Founder of Lerner Publishing Group

It is with deep sadness that Lerner Publishing Group announces the death of Harry Lerner at the age of 93. Harry passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. For more than six decades, Harry shaped the landscape of children’s publishing—and his impact can be felt in libraries, classrooms, and reading lives across the […]Read more

Author Interviews

Sharks Unhooked: An Interview with Author Patricia Newman

Some people are scared of sharks, but not Cristina Zenato. Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger is the true story of how one woman is exploring the ocean, helping our ecosystem, and forming incredible bonds with animals beneath the rolling surf. Cheerful illustrations by Becca Hall round out this riveting picture book […]Read more

Librarian Prep Post: Read with Pride

Pride Month is almost here, and now’s the perfect time to refresh your book displays, lesson plans, and library collections with inclusive reads! This Librarian Prep Post features a curated list of new LGBTQ+ titles that celebrate identity, foster empathy, and uplift every reader. Read on and get your library Pride Month-ready!Read more

Author Interviews

Design Thinking: An Interview with Author Fred Estes

Got a problem that needs solving? All you need is six steps and a little creative thinking. Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation by Fred Estes is a examines each step—notice and reflect, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—and provides case studies to illustrate how design thinking can create a more human-centered, equitable world. Today […]Read more

Collections

Happy Book Birthday: April New Releases

April showers not only bring May flowers but also a delightful downpour of new books! Check out these new releases, including new board books, picture books, nonfiction, and middle grade novels.Read more

Collections

Books Gone Wild! An Animal Roundup

This Animal Roundup is packed with exciting books featuring incredible creatures and the people who study them. Dive into the ocean with Sharks Unhooked, explore cephalopods with I’m a Dumbo Octopus!, and discover nature’s toughest matchups in Predator vs. Prey. From real-life conservation to thrilling animal battles, these books bring the wild to life!Read more

Author Interviews

The Red Car to Hollywood: An Interview with Author Jennie Liu

Step into the vibrant, drama-filled era of early Hollywood in The Red Car to Hollywood, where 16-year-old Ruby Chan is in a tough spot following the revelation of her secret relationship with a white boy to her traditional Chinese parents. Her parents hire a matchmaker in an effort to protect their reputation, but Ruby is […]Read more

Collections

Librarian Prep Post: Book Recommendations for May’s Heritage and Awareness Months

May is a month to honor heritage, history, and well-being by sharing meaningful stories and perspectives in libraries and classrooms. With Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month approaching, now is the time to start planning. This post features book recommendations to help you build […]Read more