Booklist's Shelf Care

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire speaks to Seattle Public Library Reader Services Librarian Misha Stone about nerding out about reading, reading more (or at least reading more intentionally), and the thrill of the backlist (along with Heated Rivalry, of course). Then, Booklist’s Audio Editor Heather Booth drops some brief but powerful insight into what makes an audiobook reader, and what makes them valid readers (because, yes, audiobooks count as reading), and what you can look forward to in Booklist. Finally, Booklist’s Editor-in-Chief and Adult Books Editor Donna Seaman chats with Susan about some forthcoming books all kinds of readers can look forward to. Here's what we talked about: To register for Readers’ Advisory: Ideas and Practice, visit booklistonline.com/webinars Take our brief Readers’ Advisory survey (please and thank you!) How to Read More in 2025 – Shelf Talk (from Seattle Public Library) “Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, some

It’s bigger than Santa, it’s bigger than the Super Bowl…it’s Editors’ Choice! The full list is a highlight of our December issue, but every winter, Booklist editors gather ‘round the podcast mic and share some of their favorites from the list. Prepare your TBR piles, because we’ve got a little something for every reader. Here’s what we talked about: Donna: The Phoebe Variations, by Jane Hamilton The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: A New Life, by Graham Watson Mother Mary Comes to Me, by Arundhati Roy Song of Ancient Lovers, by Laura Restrepo. Translated By Caro De Robertis Annie: Heart the Lover, by Lily King Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America, by Sean Sherman and others Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love: A Cookbook, by Samin Nosrat. Illustrated by Aya Brackett All Consuming: Why We Eat the Way We Eat Now, by Ruby Tandoh Susan: The Listeners, by Maggie Stiefvater The View from Lake Como, by Adriana Trigiani The Filling Station, by Va

Fairy tale retelling are having a moment, a moment that has extended for, like, millennia, but now the trend feels particularly hot. Host Susan Maguire sat down with librarian and Booklist reviewer Lucy Lockley about what’s behind the fanfare and some titles and authors you should know. Then Audio Editor Heather Booth spoke to an art educator Heather Kostal about how she uses audiobooks in the classroom. Finally, Books for Youth’s Ronny Khuri and I chatted about picture books about poop and other topics. We cover everything! Here's what we talked about: Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine The Kingdom of Sweets, by Erika Johansen The Swallowed Man, by Edward Carey A Sorceress Comes to Call, by T. Kingfisher Alice, by Christina Henry Horseman, by Christina Henry Gods of Jade and Shadow, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Wicked, by Gregory Maguire Mary McMyne After the Forest, by Kel Woods Sistersong, by Lucy Holland Song of the Huntress, by Lucy Holland Uprooted, by Naomi Novik The Summer War, by Naomi Novik The Witch

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire sits down with two of our favorite Sara(h)s. First, librarian and Booklister Sara Martínez talks about REFORMA’s National Book Award winner and tips for Spanish-language collection development. Then, Sarah Hunter, Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels, drops some book suggestions perfect for fall reading. Here's what we talked about: REFORMA.org Pura Belpré Award REFORMA’s 2024 National Book Award (includes longlist and shortlist) Malas, by Marcela Fuentes Spanish Sure Bets for Adult Readers: Summer 2025 ALA Free Pass Program Spanish-language book stores: Liberías Gandhi in Mexico, Casa del Libro in Spain America Reads Spanish newsletter Guatemalan Rhapsody, by Jared Lemus Brother Brontë, by Fernando A. Flores Starling House, by Alix E. Harrow By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land, by Rebecca Nagle Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America (a Love Story), by Deborah Heiligman Angelica and the Bear Prince, by Tr

In this episode of Booklist’s Shelf Care: The Podcast, we’re coming to you live from ALA’s Annual Conference in Philadelphia. Audio Editor Heather Booth chats with three authors who were excited to share insight into their forthcoming books and what libraries mean to them: Victor Piñeiro (The Island of Forgotten Gods, August 2025, Sourcebooks Young Readers), E. Lockhart (We Fell Apart, November 2025, Delacorte), and Kevin Henkes (Is It Spring?, February 2026, Greenwillow). Here's what we talked about: Read n Rave list The Island of Forgotten Gods, by Victor Piñeiro Time Villains, by Victor Piñeiro The Land of Oz, by L. Frank Baum We Fell Apart, by E. Lockhart We Were Liars, by E. Lockhart Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera Family of Liars, by E. Lockhart The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks, by E. Lockhart Is It Spring?, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes Sun Flower Lion, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, Finding Things, by Kevin Henkes,

Episode 42 Show Notes In this episode of Booklist’s Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to librarian and horror expert Becky Spratford about the forthcoming collection of essays she edited, Why I Love Horror, what Mary Shelley might think about the current trend of monster romance, and, of course, why she loves horror. Then Booklist’s Audio Editor Heather Booth presents an epic rant against AI-narrated audiobooks, and Susan and Booklist Senior Editor, Adult Books Annie Bostrom chat about two water-related books they’re loving. Here's what we talked about: Becky’s early “Why I Love Horror,” featuring Booklist folks The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Horror, by Becky Siegel Spratford Danse Macabre, by Stephen King Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley “The Lottery,” by Shirley Jackson Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Seth Grahame-Smith The Hunger, by Alma Katsu Buffalo Hunter Hunter, by Stephen Graham Jones James, by Percival Everett Horror for Weenies, by Emily Hughes

It’s time for Summer Scares, and the popular horror-reading program is in fine form again. Shelf Care host Susan Maguire spoke to librarian Becky Spratford, author Kendare Blake, and Booklist’s Julia Smith about this year’s selections for adult, teen, and middle-grade readers; transgressive horror; and Hellmouth Pokémon, as you do. She also spoke to Jocelyn Codner and Carina Stopenski, both of the Horror Writers Association’s Library Advisory Council, about the Summer Scares program guide, why libraries should serve horror readers, and what they’re reading and loving. Here’s what we talked about: Summer Scares Resource Page Find Him Where You Left Him Dead, by Kristen Simmons iRead Summer 2025: Level Up at Your Library The Getaway, by Lamar Giles Devils unto Dust, by Emma Berquist Reprieve, by James Han Mattson Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes, by Eric LaRocca The Luminous Dead, by Caitlin Starling Summer Scares webinars: for Adult, YA, and Middle Grade All These Bodies, by

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to Katie Clausen, a Chicagoland children’s librarian, about what it’s like to be on the front lines of a book banning, who offers some tips and suggested language for dealing with a challenge. Then, on a lighter note, Susan talks to Audio Editor Heather Booth about what she’s been reading (and listening to) and loving lately. Here's what we talked about: Interview with Kelly Jensen in Episode 22 Foundations of Intellectual Freedom, by Emily Knox Kate Messner’s Letter to Parents The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story, by Pagan Kennedy. Read by Claire Danes. The Use of Photography, by Annie Ernaux and Marc Marie. Translated by Alison L. Strayer. Read by Tavia Gilbert. The Suite Spot, by Trish Doller. Read by Sarah Naughton. Birding with Benefits, by Sarah T. Dubb. Read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Evan Sibley. How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund? by Anna Montague. Read by Cynthia Nixon. Nightbitch, by Rache Yoder. The Pay

It’s that time of the year again, when the Booklist editors gather ‘round the proverbial fire and share some of their favorite reads of the year. Covering everything from our Top of the List titles to personal faves, this episode has a little something for every reader. Here’s what we talked about: Donna: We Loved It All: A Memory of Life. By Lydia Millet. (Adult Nonfiction Top of the List) The Morningside. By Téa Obreht. Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar. My Black Country: A Journey through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future. By Alice Randall. The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth. By Zoë Schlanger. Annie: Wandering Stars. By Tommy Orange. (Adult Fiction Top of the List) Donna Seaman interviews Tommy Orange for One Book, One Chicago All Fours. By Miranda July. Susan: The Wedding People. By Alison Espach. One of Us Knows. By Alyssa Cole. The Cottage around the Corner. By D. L. Soria. Sarah: A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay i

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to two of her Friends, the co-chairs of the annual book sale at her local branch library. They talk about being picky about donations, pricing, layout, and the treasures they found at the sale. Then, Susan chats with new Books for Youth Associate Editor Kelly Ferreira about what they’ve been reading and loving lately. Here’s what we talked about: 85 Days: The Last Campaign of Robert Kennedy, by Jules Witcover Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus Janesville: An American Story, by Amy Goldstein The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer House, by George Howe Colt A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, by Sonia Purnell, read by Juliet Stevenson Central Park West, by James Comey A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, by James Comey Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love, by Marianne Cronin Are You My Mother? by Dr. Seuss Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke P. C. Cast Twili

Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors talk to book people. This Shelf Care interview is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. In this episode of Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talked to Carole Boston Weatherford about her forthcoming picture book, The Doll Test: Choosing Equality, which will be out in November. You can listen to this interview here. Carole Boston Weatherford is the author of numerous award-winning books. Her picture book BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom, illustrated by Michele Wood, received a Newbery honor. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, illustrated by the late Floyd Cooper was a National Book Award long-list title, won the Coretta Scott King Award for author and illustrator, and received a Caldecott honor and a Sibert honor. When she's not traveling or visiting museums, Carole is mining the past for family stories, dating traditions, and forgotten struggles.

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire spoke to Allison Escoto of the Center for Fiction about book groups, being a solo librarian, and getting the opportunity to read nonfiction for the Carnegie Awards. Then, Audio Editor Heather Booth chats with librarian and author Van Hoang about the walking audiobook club she runs at her library. Finally, Susan and Adult Books Editor Donna Seaman talk about her forthcoming book, River of Books: A Life in Reading as well as what she’s been reading and loving lately. Here’s what we talked about: Stanley Ellin, mystery writer James, by Percival Everett Out of the Sierra: A Story of Rarámuri Resistance, by Victoria Blanco Girl Giant and the Monkey King, by Van Hoang The Monstrous Misses Mai, by Van Hoang Sociopath, by Patrick Gagne, read by the author Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World, by Naomi Klein, read by the author Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution, Cat Bohannon, read by the author Elyse Dinh, audiobo

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, we’ve got lots and lots of reading suggestions. First, host Susan Maguire is joined by Rebecca Vnuk, Executive Director, LibraryReads, for a mini-Read ‘n’ Rave, a version of the hit program that Booklist and LibraryReads host at ALA Annual. Then, Audio Editor Heather Booth talks to her daughter Julia about how libraries can help teens find good audiobooks. Finally, Susan and Sarah Hunter, Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels, sat down to share a ton of great new graphic novels that you can use to celebrate the tail end of Graphic Novels in Libraries Month (and beyond). “They Just Need to Get a Job”: 15 Myths on Homelessness, by Mary Brosnahan The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, by Lynda Cohen Loigman Break Every Rule, by Brian Freeman The Most Wonderful Time, by Jayne Allen Marigold Mind Laundry, by Jungeun Yun, tr. By Shanna Tan Swordcrossed, by Freya Marske Bury Your Gays, by Chuck Tingle Swan Song, by Elin Hilderbrand The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn, v. 1, b

Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors get to talk to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Dreamscape Media. In this episode of the Shelf Care interview, Heather Booth talks with the creative team behind Rifts and Refrains, the audio-first production from Dreamscape Media's Dreamscape First Initiative. Rifts and Refrains is by Tiye with a shared narration by Benjamin Charles and iiKane. Tiye is a USA Today Bestselling author and has penned over forty novels. When Tiye's not obsessed with her latest characters, she's addressing the mental health needs of others through her private practice and teaching. She loves laughing and dancing with her family and friends and curled up somewhere, anywhere, forever inspired to write emotional, angsty stories that allow readers to escape. Check out her website and join her newsletter at www.tiyelovebooks.com, and follow her on F.B. @Tiye Love Books, TikTok @tiyelove, and/or on h

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire sat down with Johanna Boyle and Marie Mulder from the Kent District Library in Michigan about the necessary work of the diversity audit, and what to do once the audit is done (hint: it involves spreadsheets). Then Audio Editor Heather Booth offers some solid suggestions for promoting your audiobook collection. Finally (oh, finally), Susan and Senior Editor, Books for Youth Maggie Reagan sat down for one last conversation about what Maggie is reading and loving, and what the heck romantasy means. Here's what we talked about: The Final Strife, by Saara El-Afiri Made Glorious, by Lindsay Eagar I Loved You In Another Life, by David Arnold Compass and Blade, by Rachel Greenlaw A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas Fourth Wing, by Rebecca Yarros

This episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast is all about Summer Scares! The reading program, a collaboration between Booklist, the Horror Writers Association, United for Libraries, Book Riot, and NoveList, announced their title picks in February. Host Susan Maguire sat down with the folks behind Summer Scares to talk about the books they want you to read this summer, different levels of scariness, and the importance of snacks for patron engagement. Here’s what we talked about: This Thing between Us, by Gus Moreno Such Sharp Teeth, by Rachel Harrison Jackal, by Erin E. Adams All these Bodies, by Kendare Blake Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake #MurderTrending, by Gretchen McNeil Chain Gang All-Stars, by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Dead Flip, by Sara Farizan Meddling Kids, by Edgar Cantero LibraryReads What Kind of Mother, by Clay McLeod Chapman 2024 Summer Scares Programming Guide Horror Writers Association The Nest, by Kenneth Oppel Ophie’s Ghost, by Justina Ireland My Aunt is a Monster, by Reimena Yee The L

Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors get to talk to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. In this episode of Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks with Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, whose new book, TOUCH THE SKY, goes on sale in May. Stephanie writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Her work includes THE END OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL, HELLO STAR, and THE LEAGUE OF PICKY EATERS.

Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors get to talk to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Capstone. In this episode of Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks with Patricia Kreiser about her debut picture book Always Together, which came out in January. Patricia Kreiser is an author and illustrator and proud mom who absolutely loves creating picture stories. Some of her earliest and best childhood memories include endless hours with Breyer horses, drawing (but not on the walls) and reading pretty much anything she could get her hands on. Patricia graduated from Pratt Institute and hopes her stories will one day be someone's favorite childhood memory. She joins us today from her home near Philadelphia.

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to Stephanie Sendaula, librarian and memoir enthusiast, about what’s so great about memoirs and what makes a great author visit. Then Audio Editor Heather Booth shares some upcoming awards and lists that those who do collection development and listeners’ advisory will want to know about. Finally, Susan and Annie Bostrom, Senior Editor, Adult Books, chat about what they’re reading and loving. Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It, by Greg Marshall Nervous: Essays on Heritage and Healing, by Jen Soriano Women We Buried, Women We Burned, by Rachel Louise Snyder Electric Lit A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, A History, a Memorial, by Viet Thanh Nguyen Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City, by Jane Wong Illness as Metaphor, by Susan Sontag Rainbow Black, by Maggie Thrash The Women of NOW: How Feminists Built an Organization that Transformed America, by Katherine Turk Silver Nitrate, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Odyssey Award Winners RUSA Adul

It’s December, and that means…Editors’ Choice! Booklist’s full list of our Editors’ Choice titles can be found in our December issue, but on this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, the Booklist editors share some standouts from the already stand-out list. Here’s what everyone talked about: Donna Seaman: Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon, by Melissa L. Sevigny (Top of the List, Adult Nonfiction) The Apartment, by Ana Menéndez (Top of the List, Adult Fiction) What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez, by Claire Jiménez The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride Absolution, by Alice McDermott Unshuttered, by Patricia Smith Poverty, by America, by Matthew Desmond Sarah Hunter: Roaming, by Mariko Tamaki, art by Jillian Tamaki Shubeik Lubeik, by Deena Mohamed, art by the author (Top of the List, Adult Graphic Novel) Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam, by Thien Pham, art by the author Bea Wolf, by Zach Weinersmith, art by Boulet (Top of t