How do we select the right book to teach SEL skills, competencies, and values that will guide our students through academic, social, and emotional development and challenges? While no one text can or should do it all, how can we be strategic in building a collection of books and read-alouds that explore your school’s SEL framework?
Continue readingArt from the Everyday: A Guest Post by Alison Goldberg
In this guest post, author Alison Goldberg explores how found objects can reveal their stories when turned into art, just as El Anatsui’s sculptures reveal the stories of the objects that they are made from. Bottle Tops: The Art of El Anatsui will be published on June 14, 2022 and is available for preorder.
Continue readingPredicting the Pandemic in Nobody’s Pilgrims: A Guest Post by Sergio Troncoso
In this guest post, author Sergio Troncoso reflects on writing a pandemic story before the pandemic and the many themes of his latest novel, including “the border beyond the border,” survival, identity, and more. Nobody’s Pilgrims is available for purchase now.
Continue readingSubmissions Now Open for Our New Voices and New Visions Award Writing Contests
Submissions for our twenty-third annual New Voices Award and our tenth annual New Visions Award are now open! Do you or someone you know write for young readers? Are you a writer of color or Indigenous/Native writer hoping to break into the publishing industry for the first time? Don’t miss this terrific opportunity to have your work considered for publication by Lee & Low Books.
The New Voices Award and the New Visions Award encourage writers of color and Indigenous/Native writers to submit their work to Lee & Low Books, a publisher that takes pride in nurturing new talent. Winners of each award receive a $2,000 cash prize and a first-time publishing contract with Lee & Low Books.
Continue readingNew Release: Nobody’s Pilgrims
We are very excited to celebrate the release of Sergio Troncoso’s Nobody’s Pilgrims today! Looking for some buzzwords for this book? Look no further: dystopian, thriller, road-trip, coming of age, literary, genre-bending, and YA-crossover. Intrigued yet? Read on to learn more about Nobody’s Pilgrims and how to purchase your own copy!
Continue reading2022 AAPI Heritage Month Books
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and to celebrate we’ve rounded up some of our favorite resources and books for readers and educators alike. Read books by AAPI authors and illustrators, uplift AAPI voices, and support AAPI activists and organizers—not just this month, but all year round.
Continue readingLee & Low Books Announces the 2022 New Visions Award Winner
New York, NY—Tu Books, an imprint of Lee & Low Books, is thrilled to announce the results of its ninth annual New Visions Award for new authors of color. This year, Nicki Jay has won the New Visions Award for her manuscript, The Marassa: Birth*Life*Death Book I.
Continue readingNew Release: Juna and Appa
Today we’re thrilled to celebrate the release of Juna and Appa by Jane Park, illustrated by Felicia Hoshino! Juna and Appa comes from the creators of the award-winning picture book Juna’s Jar. In this new magical tale, Juna embarks on a journey to help her biggest hero—her Appa!
Continue reading3 Ways to Teach Writing with Bebop Books
Teaching writing to young students who have not yet mastered reading can feel challenging, if not downright overwhelming. However, lots of research recommends encouraging students to write as early as possible.
How can we inspire our youngest learners to write creatively without frustration and within the boundaries of their current abilities?
Continue readingLee & Low Books 2022 Showcase: Watch the Recording!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Lee & Low Books 2022 Showcase. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, or bookseller, this webinar will help you discover great new books to diversify your shelves for readers of all ages (including adults)!
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