What does it mean to be Principled? It’s about standing by our values, making ethical choices, and acting with integrity—even when the world challenges us. Two powerful books, The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le and Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, bring this trait to life through characters who must navigate difficult moral dilemmas while holding … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Principled– Holding onto Integrity
#IBLPKidLit: Balanced– Dreams, Duty, and Identity
Balance isn’t just about juggling responsibilities—it’s about finding harmony between who we are and who the world expects us to be. In both Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez and Prescribee by Chia-Lun Chang, the authors tried to make the world see how they strive to navigate the complexities of ambition, societal expectations, identity, and personal … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Balanced– Dreams, Duty, and Identity
#IBLPKidLit: Communicator– The Bird in Me Flies
The Bird in Me Flies by Sara Lundberg, with artwork by Berta Hansson and translated by B.J. Epstein, is a poignant novel in verse that beautifully embodies the IB Learner Profile attribute of Communicator. Inspired by the life, art, and writings of Swedish artist Berta Hansson, the book explores themes of self-expression, courage, and resilience, … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Communicator– The Bird in Me Flies
#IBLPKidLit: Risk-Taker– Stories of Resilience and Defiance
Being a Risk-Taker is more than just thrill-seeking or stepping into the unknown—it’s about standing up for what’s right, challenging injustice, and daring to carve out your own path despite the risks. In Slow Noodles by Chantha Nguon and This Book Won’t Burn by Samira Ahmed, we see two incredible women who embody this IB … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Risk-Taker– Stories of Resilience and Defiance
#IBLPKidLit: Thinking Outside the Panels: Exploring Thinkers Through Comics & Graphic Novels
Today’s post is all about Thinkers—but with a twist! Instead of traditional novels, we’re diving into how comics, graphic novels, and visual storytelling challenge us to think critically, question the world, and explore big ideas in creative ways. Whether through the politically charged satire of Mafalda by Quino or the rebellious spirit of No Rules … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Thinking Outside the Panels: Exploring Thinkers Through Comics & Graphic Novels
#IBLPKidLit: Caring– Orange by Ichigo Takano
The manga series Orange by Ichigo Takano is a heart-warming exploration of the IB Learner Profile attribute of caring, discussing themes of empathy, friendship, mental health, and personal growth. Through the heartfelt story of Naho Takamiya and her friends, we are encouraged to embrace compassion and responsibility in their relationships with others. Empathy and Support … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Caring– Orange by Ichigo Takano
#IBLPKidLit: Knowledgeable– A Place at the Table
Looking for a heartwarming story that stirs up curiosity and celebrates cultural diversity? A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan is a middle-grade novel that beautifully connects the IB Learner Profile attribute of being Knowledgeable with the transformative power of friendship, food, and community. The story introduces Sara, a Pakistani American … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Knowledgeable– A Place at the Table
Announcing the Shortlist for the 2025 Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Translated Young Adult Book Prize
The 2025 GLLI Translated Young Adult Book Prize Committee is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2025 prize. This is the seventh year of the GLLI Translated YA Book Prize, which recognizes publishers, translators, and authors of books in English translation for young adult readers, aged 12 through 18 inclusive. Publisher submissions to the … Continue reading Announcing the Shortlist for the 2025 Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Translated Young Adult Book Prize
#IBLPKidLit: Open-Minded: Expanding Perspectives
Edited by Ellen Oh, You Are Here: Connecting Flights is a creative collection that beautifully embodies the IB Learner Profile attribute of open-mindedness. This collaborative work by twelve Asian authors invites readers on a journey through twelve interconnected stories of young Asian Americans, each with distinct family dynamics, cultural backgrounds, and personal challenges. The book … Continue reading #IBLPKidLit: Open-Minded: Expanding Perspectives
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Village Beyond the Mist
A sweet, otherworldly tale that’s billed as “the fantastic adventure that first inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved film, Spirited Away,” The Village Beyond the Mist is sure to charm. Set in a magical town hidden in a mysterious forest clearing, The Village Beyond the Mist is a delightful, multigenerational fantasy for middle grade readers about service. Is that … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Village Beyond the Mist
