Megan Ilnitzki

A MG contemporary that celebrates the strength and resilience of community ties and the heroes we meet every day. #MSWL

Joyful coming-of-age middle grade starring LGBTQIA+ protagonists #MSWL

MG or YA fantasy that comps to AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER (I’m thoroughly enjoying my current rewatch!) #MSWL

YA rom coms in the vein of WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI by Sandhya Menon #MSWL

I used to read CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM out loud with my younger siblings and it used to keep us laughing and so entertained. Picture books that elicit that kind of read-aloud fun are always on my #MSWL

Upper MG in the vein of THE SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS. To this day, I will put my hair up Violet Baudelaire style when I need to concentrate. I love the strong sibling bonds, the overarching mystery element, and kids fighting against the corruption of adults. #MSWL

While I do love Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, my favorite Austen novel is Persuasion. I’d love to see a YA reimagining of this novel about second chances. #MSWL

So scary movies absolutely terrify me, but my love of spooky MG stems from R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. I couldn’t get enough of it as a kid and MG that keeps me turning the pages and the nightlight on is always on my #MSWL.

MG or YA in the vein of Madeline L’Engel’s A RING OF ENDLESS LIGHT. This book tackles some big, tough questions about death and love in such an eloquent, lyrical way and it will always hold a special place in my heart. #MSWL

MG or YA that comps to Tamora Pierce’s Tortall Universe, especially THE SONG OF THE LIONESS and IMMORTALS series. Intrigue! Adventure! Mythical creatures! Characters who kick butt! Expansive world building! It’s an eternal #MSWL for me.

Picture books that celebrate food and family in the vein of FRY BREAD by Kevin Noble Maillard. #MSWL

I’d love to find a poetry collection for young readers. Poetry holds such a special place in my heart and I think young readers need poetry now more than ever. #MSWL

A YA contemporary that comps to WHERE I END AND YOU BEGIN by Preston North #MSWL

A MG or YA about the Fates from Greek Mythology #MSWL

A MG contemporary series with THE BABYSITTERS CLUB vibes #MSWL

MG fantasy inspired by mythology. Think THE STORM RUNNER by J.C. Cervantes #MSWL

Mythical MG monster stories that flip the narrative on its head. I love stories where things are not what they appear. #MSWL

A contemporary MG that deals with a friendship breakup #MSWL

A MG that comps to PRINCESS MONONOKE or SPIRITED AWAY #MSWL

A MG with Great British Bake-off vibes. #MSWL