young adult – The Lerner Blog

When It’s Your Turn for Midnight: An Interview with Author Blessing Musariri

What would you do if everything you believed about your life began to unravel? In When It’s Your Turn for Midnight, author Blessing Musariri explores identity, family secrets, and the quiet strength it takes to face the truth, all set against the rich cultural backdrop of Zimbabwe. In this interview, Blessing shares the personal and […]Read more

Author Interviews

The Real Rosalind: An Interview with Authors Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox

For years, Rosalind Franklin’s name has lingered in the background of one of science’s greatest discoveries, but her full story has remained largely untold. In The Real Rosalind, authors Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox bring her out of the margins and into focus, revealing a scientist whose work, curiosity, and determination extended far beyond […]Read more

Author Interviews

Red Stones: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Ernesto Saade

In 1981, the Salvadoran Civil War reached Miriam’s village of Santa Marta. In 2021, Ernesto Saade visited to hear her story. Red Stones: A Graphic Account of the Salvadoran Civil War chronicles the conflict and displacement of the Red Stones massacre with nuance and care. Today author and illustrator Ernesto Saade joins us to explore […]Read more

Author Interviews

Beyond Seven Forests: An Interview with Author Amanda McCrina

Beyond Seven Forests is a survival story in more than one sense. In the winter of 1916 a blizzard traps eighteen-year-old Polish countess Renata in her home with two Polish deserters from the Russian army. Together they must not only survive but grapple with wartime scars. This young adult historical novel is both a page-turning […]Read more

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Starstruck: 2025 in Review

Looking back, Lerner has seen some amazing years publishing exceptional fiction and nonfiction for K–12 readers. But 2025 has been a year unlike any we’ve seen! Our titles earned an extraordinary 57 starred reviews, and our distribution partners earned another 8. Explore the celebrated picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction, graphic novels, and […]Read more

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Summer Stars Showdown: Top Titles from 2025 So Far

After several spring showers, the skies have cleared and now we’re seeing stars! Today we celebrate the titles that have received that special recognition from journals via starred reviews. From young adult historical fiction to picture book biographies, these amazing titles stand out from the crowd.Read more

Author Interviews

Sometimes the Girl: An Interview with Jennifer Mason-Black

What do relationships, art, and the truth have in common? Sometimes they are messy. Eighteen-year-old Holi learns this firsthand in Sometimes the Girl when she gets a short-term job sorting through the attic of an acclaimed elderly author. There in the attic, Holi discovers secrets that change the way she sees her own life and […]Read more

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Librarian Prep Post: Queer History Month

October is Queer History Month, a time to celebrate the stories, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. This month provides librarians and teachers an opportunity to expand upon their collections, highlight diverse voices, and foster a welcoming environment for all students. In this post, we’ll share book recommendations that honor LGBTQIA+ history and role […]Read more

Building Financial Foundations for Every Age

Understanding how to manage money is a crucial life skill that can set young people on the path to financial success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essentials of youth finance, offering valuable insights tailored for different age groups.Read more

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