From The Mixed Up Files

Thinking Outside the Box: WNDMG Summer 2026 Recommendations Summer is the perfect time to unwind and relax. This is true for parents, children, teachers, and students alike! So while we rest our minds, it’s best to try thinking outside the box and finding time to discover some unconventional and lighthearted reads. What am I referring to, you ask? Graphic novels! This summertime post is dedicated to graphic novels, illustrated chapter books, anthologies, online magazines, and all things unexpected. The push for more illustrated middle grade reads and graphic novels is an excellent way to get...

Kwame Alexander, author of popular books such as Acoustic Rooster, The Crossover, The Door of No Return, and Caldecott Medal-winning The Undefeated will partner with Sourcebooks to launch Kwame Alexander Books in spring 2027. The imprint, with the goal to “[champion] bold authors across generations,” will publish children’s books from picture books through YA, as well as adult titles. The imprint will also have to-be-announced initiatives to help discover and support new writers....

Thinking Outside the Box: WNDMG Summer 2026 Recommendations Summer is the perfect time to unwind and relax. This is true for parents, children, teachers, and students alike! So while we rest our minds, it’s best to try thinking outside the box and finding time to discover some unconventional and lighthearted...

What Happened to our Starry, Starry Night? If you go outside on a moonless night, what do you see? A planet, maybe a handful of stars if you’re lucky. Unfortunately, for too many of us the city lights diminish the night sky. Streetlights and other artificial lights do more than...

What a treat it is to welcome author Christina Diaz Gonzalez to the MUF blog! You may recognize Christina as the creator of gripping historical fiction novels and an Edgar Award-winning mystery.    In more recent years, you may have been introduced to Christina’s English-Spanish graphic novel Invisible. This groundbreaking...

I have this thing for rereading books. I like to revisit favorite titles and try to get at least a five-year interval to have another read. The Power of the Reread is a post I wrote a few years ago. The post is about the continuation of the philosophy first...

July’s New Releases happen to include several spooky, creepy tales to read around a summer campfire. None with fireworks, but lots of stories to keep you up at night. All the more reason to read with a friend. So choose a book, keep your nightlight on, and have a joyful...

I have this thing for rereading books. I like to revisit favorite titles and try to get at least a five-year interval to have another read. The Power of the Reread is a post I wrote a few years ago. The post is about the continuation of the philosophy first...