Christina Chatel
@medialoguer.bsky.social
Middle school librarian in Troy, MI. Advocate for #youngteenlit. Author of “An Open Letter to Middle Grade Authors and Publishers Regarding Book Length.” #Troybery2025 bit.ly/whatistroybery
Pinned
Christina Chatel
@medialoguer.bsky.social
· Jan 17
I've been ruminating for a while about the comments/reactions to my quote in this post, taken from "An Open Letter to Middle Grade Authors and Publishers Regarding Book Length." Many authors and publishers reposted, saying that they DID have short MG books. Somehow, they missed my point. 🧵👇
#tlsky
#tlsky
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Find the article here: www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-fea...
6 Novels on the Young Side of Young Adult | Kirkus Reviews
With more adults reading YA, it can be hard to find the right books for tweens and young teens. These titles fit the bill.
www.kirkusreviews.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Find the article here: www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-fea...
Reposted by Christina Chatel
The year's "Best-of" lists are appearing, and they are sadly lacking in books for 12-15 year olds.
We are especially excited when we see reviewers pointing out good books for young teens (while highlighting that there are SO FEW books in this age range).
Thank you, Kirkus and Laura Simeon!
We are especially excited when we see reviewers pointing out good books for young teens (while highlighting that there are SO FEW books in this age range).
Thank you, Kirkus and Laura Simeon!
November 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The year's "Best-of" lists are appearing, and they are sadly lacking in books for 12-15 year olds.
We are especially excited when we see reviewers pointing out good books for young teens (while highlighting that there are SO FEW books in this age range).
Thank you, Kirkus and Laura Simeon!
We are especially excited when we see reviewers pointing out good books for young teens (while highlighting that there are SO FEW books in this age range).
Thank you, Kirkus and Laura Simeon!
Authors, we are excited to include your books in our 26th Annual Troybery Award Program! Get the list at bit.ly/troybery26
@traceybaptiste.bsky.social @gregvaneekhout.bsky.social @alangratz.bsky.social @ravenaguron.bsky.social @aprilhenry.bsky.social @jodimeadows.bsky.social
@traceybaptiste.bsky.social @gregvaneekhout.bsky.social @alangratz.bsky.social @ravenaguron.bsky.social @aprilhenry.bsky.social @jodimeadows.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Authors, we are excited to include your books in our 26th Annual Troybery Award Program! Get the list at bit.ly/troybery26
@traceybaptiste.bsky.social @gregvaneekhout.bsky.social @alangratz.bsky.social @ravenaguron.bsky.social @aprilhenry.bsky.social @jodimeadows.bsky.social
@traceybaptiste.bsky.social @gregvaneekhout.bsky.social @alangratz.bsky.social @ravenaguron.bsky.social @aprilhenry.bsky.social @jodimeadows.bsky.social
I will be presenting about the need for #youngteenlit at the @michiganmasl.bsky.social 52nd Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 12. Want to attend the conference? Check out the details at the link below.
www.mimasl.org/masl-52-conf...
www.mimasl.org/masl-52-conf...
November 3, 2025 at 1:54 AM
I will be presenting about the need for #youngteenlit at the @michiganmasl.bsky.social 52nd Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 12. Want to attend the conference? Check out the details at the link below.
www.mimasl.org/masl-52-conf...
www.mimasl.org/masl-52-conf...
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Sports recommendations for young teens! Not every book here fits our 6 Criteria for #youngteenlit, but these are definitely old and new favorites in our MS media centers. Let us know what's missing here.
Check out www.youngteenlit.com to access the doc.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #tlsky #skybrarians
Check out www.youngteenlit.com to access the doc.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #tlsky #skybrarians
October 28, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Sports recommendations for young teens! Not every book here fits our 6 Criteria for #youngteenlit, but these are definitely old and new favorites in our MS media centers. Let us know what's missing here.
Check out www.youngteenlit.com to access the doc.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #tlsky #skybrarians
Check out www.youngteenlit.com to access the doc.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #tlsky #skybrarians
Reposted by Christina Chatel
It was wonderful to see so many #youngteenlit supporters at #AASL25! Our poster is up until Saturday—stop by to get a sticker and a postcard!
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
October 17, 2025 at 1:51 PM
It was wonderful to see so many #youngteenlit supporters at #AASL25! Our poster is up until Saturday—stop by to get a sticker and a postcard!
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
Reposted by Christina Chatel
At #AASL25, we launched new #youngteenlit genre lists. It was difficult trying to find mystery & horror to fill a page, and the list isn't perfect: 12 and 17 yr old characters, some long books, some with young covers, and a few on the edge of YA. What would you add? Download at www.youngteenlit.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:02 AM
At #AASL25, we launched new #youngteenlit genre lists. It was difficult trying to find mystery & horror to fill a page, and the list isn't perfect: 12 and 17 yr old characters, some long books, some with young covers, and a few on the edge of YA. What would you add? Download at www.youngteenlit.com
Reposted by Christina Chatel
SWIPE to see some of the fantastic #youngteenlit romances that we've read recently and enjoyed. It feels like there are so many more options with characters ages 13-16! Thanks to @juliadevillers.bsky.social GF Miller and @arriwrites.bsky.social for writing books young teens will love.
October 1, 2025 at 11:51 PM
SWIPE to see some of the fantastic #youngteenlit romances that we've read recently and enjoyed. It feels like there are so many more options with characters ages 13-16! Thanks to @juliadevillers.bsky.social GF Miller and @arriwrites.bsky.social for writing books young teens will love.
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Thank you for recognizing the gap and offering suggested books for young teens. We welcome younger YA books, especially murder mysteries, horror &humor! sites.prh.com/pyrmiddlesch... @penguinschoollib.bsky.social @penguinteen.bsky.social #youngteenlit #yalit #tlsky @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
September 21, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Thank you for recognizing the gap and offering suggested books for young teens. We welcome younger YA books, especially murder mysteries, horror &humor! sites.prh.com/pyrmiddlesch... @penguinschoollib.bsky.social @penguinteen.bsky.social #youngteenlit #yalit #tlsky @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
Reposted by Christina Chatel
While we firmly believe that young teens deserve a publishing category of their own, we noticed @publisherswkly.bsky.social aimed the spotlight on MG publishing. The interviewees echoed what we have been saying ad nauseum since spring 2024 (see our articles and podcasts at www.youngteenlit.com). 🧵
September 11, 2025 at 10:49 AM
While we firmly believe that young teens deserve a publishing category of their own, we noticed @publisherswkly.bsky.social aimed the spotlight on MG publishing. The interviewees echoed what we have been saying ad nauseum since spring 2024 (see our articles and podcasts at www.youngteenlit.com). 🧵
My Smith MS 6th graders had to find the hidden “libubus” (i.e. library labubus) during our media orientation. Presentation made with Genial.ly and “libubus” made with Canva. #tlsky #skybrarians #schoollibrary #mischoollibrary #labubu
September 2, 2025 at 10:49 PM
My Smith MS 6th graders had to find the hidden “libubus” (i.e. library labubus) during our media orientation. Presentation made with Genial.ly and “libubus” made with Canva. #tlsky #skybrarians #schoollibrary #mischoollibrary #labubu
I’m looking forward to sharing information about #youngteenlit at my first ever @aaslala.bsky.social conference! #AASL25
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
We're excited to announce that our #AASL25 poster session was accepted! Christina will be representing us in St. Louis during the poster presentations on October 16. Stop by to chat about #youngteenlit and learn how to support our movement.
#tlsky #skybrarians #schoollibrarian #AASL2025
#tlsky #skybrarians #schoollibrarian #AASL2025
August 25, 2025 at 8:57 PM
I’m looking forward to sharing information about #youngteenlit at my first ever @aaslala.bsky.social conference! #AASL25
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
Reposted by Christina Chatel
The best thing about Greenwald's books is that ANY kid, whether they like sports or not, still enjoys them. If you're new to Tommy Greenwald, start with GAME CHANGER; his books take place in the same town but do not need to be read in order. #tlsky #skybrarians #skybrarian #itstimeforyoungteenlit
August 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
The best thing about Greenwald's books is that ANY kid, whether they like sports or not, still enjoys them. If you're new to Tommy Greenwald, start with GAME CHANGER; his books take place in the same town but do not need to be read in order. #tlsky #skybrarians #skybrarian #itstimeforyoungteenlit
Reposted by Christina Chatel
In terms of our six #youngteenlit criteria, Tommy Greenwald consistently knocks it out of the park: his newest THE RIGHT CALL is no exception. 15 yr old narrator, a compelling story about injuries in youth sports, less than 300 pages, eye-catching cover, multiple formats, and heavy on mass appeal.
August 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
In terms of our six #youngteenlit criteria, Tommy Greenwald consistently knocks it out of the park: his newest THE RIGHT CALL is no exception. 15 yr old narrator, a compelling story about injuries in youth sports, less than 300 pages, eye-catching cover, multiple formats, and heavy on mass appeal.
Reposted by Christina Chatel
We're summer dreaming about what we'd love to have written and published. MSers want to read the books below, but some may not be developmentally ready for the content (since it was written for an older audience). We would love to see #youngteenlit comparable to the following.
#tlsky #skybrarians
#tlsky #skybrarians
August 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM
We're summer dreaming about what we'd love to have written and published. MSers want to read the books below, but some may not be developmentally ready for the content (since it was written for an older audience). We would love to see #youngteenlit comparable to the following.
#tlsky #skybrarians
#tlsky #skybrarians
Reposted by Christina Chatel
This Judy Blume-inspired book about a 7th grader's first crush is both hilarious and wise and will be LOVED by young teens and by Gen X librarians and moms. It's on the younger end of #youngteenlit and recommended for collections serving middle schoolers. Thanks @kristinnilsen.bsky.social #tlsky
August 10, 2025 at 10:10 PM
This Judy Blume-inspired book about a 7th grader's first crush is both hilarious and wise and will be LOVED by young teens and by Gen X librarians and moms. It's on the younger end of #youngteenlit and recommended for collections serving middle schoolers. Thanks @kristinnilsen.bsky.social #tlsky
Reposted by Christina Chatel
For your mature 14-16 yr olds: PROMISE BOYS and UP IN SMOKE by Nick Brooks. Short chapters, multiple voices. Page-turning whodunits with 16 yr olds trying to prove a friend's innocence in the death of their principal (PB)/a woman at a BLM rally (UiS). CW👇 #youngteenlit
@henryholtbooks.bsky.social
@henryholtbooks.bsky.social
August 5, 2025 at 1:41 AM
For your mature 14-16 yr olds: PROMISE BOYS and UP IN SMOKE by Nick Brooks. Short chapters, multiple voices. Page-turning whodunits with 16 yr olds trying to prove a friend's innocence in the death of their principal (PB)/a woman at a BLM rally (UiS). CW👇 #youngteenlit
@henryholtbooks.bsky.social
@henryholtbooks.bsky.social
My students love @rebeccaefbarone.bsky.social! We had a fantastic virtual visit with her in our 2024 Troybery Author Blitz.
Nonfiction roundup: compelling account of the Mt St Helens eruption backed by so much research. Great example of #nonfiction for young teens—fast-paced, death & destruction + survival & scientific advancement (cover=young but text is #youngteenlit) #booksky @rebeccaefbarone.bsky.social #mglit
August 3, 2025 at 12:35 PM
My students love @rebeccaefbarone.bsky.social! We had a fantastic virtual visit with her in our 2024 Troybery Author Blitz.
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Fabulous episode full of inspiration and ideas #itistimeforyoungteenlit and I am all in. PREACH!
@overbooked.bsky.social and I share how we started the Young Teen Lit movement in this podcast episode with @slupodcast.bsky.social. Tune in to learn how you can find #youngteenlit books and how you can support our movement.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #skybrarians #tlsky #skybrarian #mglit #yalit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #skybrarians #tlsky #skybrarian #mglit #yalit
Excited to share @youngteenlit.bsky.social and this important conversation on filling a gap in our #library collections! apple.co/3IKyupe #youngteenlit #kidlit #yalit #skybrarians
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @americanbookseller.bsky.social
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @americanbookseller.bsky.social
July 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Fabulous episode full of inspiration and ideas #itistimeforyoungteenlit and I am all in. PREACH!
@overbooked.bsky.social and I share how we started the Young Teen Lit movement in this podcast episode with @slupodcast.bsky.social. Tune in to learn how you can find #youngteenlit books and how you can support our movement.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #skybrarians #tlsky #skybrarian #mglit #yalit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #skybrarians #tlsky #skybrarian #mglit #yalit
Excited to share @youngteenlit.bsky.social and this important conversation on filling a gap in our #library collections! apple.co/3IKyupe #youngteenlit #kidlit #yalit #skybrarians
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @americanbookseller.bsky.social
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @americanbookseller.bsky.social
Young Teen Lit
Podcast Episode · School Librarians United with Amy Hermon · 07/25/2025 · 59m
apple.co
July 25, 2025 at 12:28 PM
@overbooked.bsky.social and I share how we started the Young Teen Lit movement in this podcast episode with @slupodcast.bsky.social. Tune in to learn how you can find #youngteenlit books and how you can support our movement.
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #skybrarians #tlsky #skybrarian #mglit #yalit
#itstimeforyoungteenlit #skybrarians #tlsky #skybrarian #mglit #yalit
Honored to be back on the podcast, this time with @overbooked.bsky.social to talk about our advocacy for #youngteenlit. 12-15 year olds deserve books, too!
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#tlsky
#skybrarians
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#tlsky
#skybrarians
Don’t miss this important conversation with #itstimeforyoungteenlit founding #librarians of @youngteenlit.bsky.social #youngteenlit
July 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Honored to be back on the podcast, this time with @overbooked.bsky.social to talk about our advocacy for #youngteenlit. 12-15 year olds deserve books, too!
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#tlsky
#skybrarians
#itstimeforyoungteenlit
#tlsky
#skybrarians
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Don’t miss this important conversation with #itstimeforyoungteenlit founding #librarians of @youngteenlit.bsky.social #youngteenlit
July 23, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Don’t miss this important conversation with #itstimeforyoungteenlit founding #librarians of @youngteenlit.bsky.social #youngteenlit
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Can’t wait to share a conversation with @youngteenlit.bsky.social founders and #schoollibrarians @medialoguer.bsky.social and @overbooked.bsky.social #episode 330 Friday, July 25!!! #tlsky #tlskchat
#youngteenlit #itstimeforyoungteenlit #mglit #tlsky
#Publishers, we are asking for a new category of literature that falls in between middle grade and young adult. Middle schoolers need Young Teen Lit and librarians are eager to purchase! #youngteenlit should have the following 5 elements (1/6)
#Publishers, we are asking for a new category of literature that falls in between middle grade and young adult. Middle schoolers need Young Teen Lit and librarians are eager to purchase! #youngteenlit should have the following 5 elements (1/6)
July 22, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Can’t wait to share a conversation with @youngteenlit.bsky.social founders and #schoollibrarians @medialoguer.bsky.social and @overbooked.bsky.social #episode 330 Friday, July 25!!! #tlsky #tlskchat
@aprilhenry.bsky.social has been writing great books for young teens for years! Students and teachers love her books. Looking forward to book talking this one in the fall.
Young teens ask for murder mysteries ALL THE TIME. Here's one by @aprilhenry.bsky.social that is perfect for 7th-9th grades. After a plane crash Milan finds out that both her parents were murdered & that she may be next. Bonus—it's also a survival story! #youngteenlit @hachettechildrens.bsky.social
July 17, 2025 at 10:23 PM
@aprilhenry.bsky.social has been writing great books for young teens for years! Students and teachers love her books. Looking forward to book talking this one in the fall.
Reposted by Christina Chatel
Read Jennifer’s post about how all the YA books are about 17-20 year olds! Publishers we are desperate for books featuring younger teens. We are super grumpy too. Please please help us out! #youngteenlit
Don't blink, y'all! The starred review spreadsheet I curate w/@sassylibrarian.bsky.social is up to date! This post includes me gushing about a few gorgeous #picturebooks that I'm looking fwd to AND me grousing about one YA trend that's making me super grumpy. #tlskychat #tlsky #educhat #booksky
🤩 Among The Stars: June Update
It's that time again. For the moment, anyway, our curated starred review spreadsheet is up to date, y'all. As a reminder, Martha Hickson curate and collate the starred reviews from six trade journals:...
www.librarygirl.net
July 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Read Jennifer’s post about how all the YA books are about 17-20 year olds! Publishers we are desperate for books featuring younger teens. We are super grumpy too. Please please help us out! #youngteenlit