Observed each year on May 21st, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development emphasizes the wealth of global cultures and the crucial role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development. To honor this day, we’ve curated a collection of titles showcasing a variety of cultures and backgrounds in fiction and

With iconic music events like BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend (May 22nd-24th) and La Fête de la Musique (June 21) coming up, now is the perfect time to catch up on your music reads. We’ve selected 10 books that tour the history of music, our rich and intimate relationships with it, and the beauty of

International Family Day, celebrated on May 15th, is a day to reflect on the role families play in building both connected and resilient communities. Whether biological or chosen, families are the foundation of care, belonging, and strength. This day is a chance to celebrate those bonds, and also to highlight the social and economic pressures

International Day of Families, celebrated on May 15th, is a great opportunity to connect middle and high school students with stories that celebrate the many ways their families influence their lives and shape their personalities. From heartfelt middle grade novels to more compelling YA reads these titles explore important themes like identity, culture, and belonging.

Comic books are fun, but with so many issues, it can be hard to find space for all of them. Many publishers have introduced a compact format for comics, allowing for a portable-sized book perfect for everyday reading. Here’s a list of our favorite current and upcoming compact comics for you to share with your

For secondary school educators looking to boost reading engagement, fantasy continues to deliver high-interest storytelling. These new and upcoming fantasy releases offer a dynamic mix of fast-paced plots, immersive world building, and character-driven narratives that resonate strongly with middle and high school students. From myth-inspired stories to darker, more complex adventures, the range ensures broad

Fantasy has a way of turning even the most hesitant readers into eager page-turners. Picture books draw students in with vivid art, humor, and fun adventures, while middle grade titles build momentum with fast-paced plots, cliffhangers, and immersive worlds. Together they create a natural reading ladder- offering accessible entry points and then extending that excitement

Romance, fantasy, thrillers… this list has it all! If your readers also can’t get enough of young adult fiction, then you’re at the perfect place. These selections are deeply compelling, fun, and unforgettable, perfect for both new and dedicated readers.

In celebration of award-winning author and illustrator Eric Carle, best known for his iconic works The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider, we have selected a list of his bestsellers as well as fun activities for the classroom! These books are ideal for young readers with simple to read sentences while still detailing

Are your readers looking for their next nonfiction read? Look no further. From inspiring and motivational reads to personal and unforgettable accounts, our nonfiction picks will captivate your readers and cultivate meaningful discussions among them. Explore our 5 picks below.

We are proud to announce that 3 Penguin Random House books have won a MWA’s Edgar Award for 2026! Best Novel: THE BIG EMPTY by Robert Crais (9780525535775, Putnam) Best First Novel by an American Author: DEAD MONEY by Jakob Kerr (9780593726723, Bantam) Best Fact Crime: MURDERLAND by Caroline Fraser (9780593657249, Penguin Books) According to

Our May picks for Higher Education feature a range of fiction and nonfiction curated to resonate with college students, professors, and lifelong learners. These selections are ideal for seminar discussions and independent exploration. For the complete list of May 2026 Higher Education Picks, click here. In case you missed them, check out our April higher