3 New Books That’ll Make You Say, “Oh, Canada!”

Oh, Canada! We stand on guard for many of your attributes: your sane healthcare system, your commitment to diversity, your delicious food products, and your attractive Prime Minister. (Also, your friendly books reporter may be a secret Canadian-American. Don’t tell anyone.) Most of all, though, we devour your entertainment: Your singers, songwriters, actors, directors, game show hosts, and artists of varying kinds have all found a home on the international stage. Please enjoy this week’s Canadian book club: We’ve got Canadian superheroes, Canadian noir thrillers, and the Canadian family for your perusal — or should we say per-EH-sal? They’re all as addictive as ketchup chips or poutine.

Millions of Americans tune into award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys every single year. Yet, you may not know that the Newbery Medal predates all of them — and this great literary honor historically celebrated and exulted some of your favorite childhood reads.

The latest Youth Media Awards took place on January 27, 2025, at the LibLearnX conference in Phoenix, Arizona. There, this year's Newbery Medal winner was officially announced. Keep reading to find out the exciting new winner!

Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Newbery Medal winning book!

What is the Newbery Medal?

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The Newberry Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children on a yearly basis. The American Library Association (ALA) gave the very first Newbery Medal to Hendrik Willem van Loon, author of "The Story of Mankind," in 1922.

This honor, named after John Newbery, an English children's book publisher, ultimately became the world's first children's book award.

Since its inception, the Newbery Medal has been awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children. Numerous revered works have been given this honor, ranging from The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle in 1923 to Summer of the Swans in 1971 and The Tale of Despereaux in 2004.

Who won the 2025 Newbery Medal?

Erin Entrada Kelly

The honor was given to The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. The book, which came out on March 5, 2024, is set in 1999 and follows a 12-year-old boy named Michael Rosario, who is consumed by anxiety as he prepares for a potential Y2K disaster.

Then, one day, Michael encounters a teenager named Ridge, who stands out with his unusual clothing and strange way of speaking. It turns out that Ridge traveled back in time from the year 2199 with the help of his mom's scientific experiments following a dare from his siblings.

Michael is tempted by the opportunity to find out about the future. However, he realizes that his priority is helping Ridge return to his own time.

This feat represents Erin Entrada Kelly's second Newbery Medal win. She previously won the honor for the first time in 2018 with her book, Hello, Universe.

Along with this prestigious award, the committee also awarded Newbery Honors to other books deemed attention-worthy. These titles included Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller, One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy.

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While the Newbery Medal is perhaps the most famous children's book award, the ALA also recognizes outstanding literature across a variety of categories. These awards, including the Randolph Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the William C. Morris Award, and the Michael L. Printz Award, are determined by committees of children's librarians and other literary experts.

This year, the Randolph Caldecott Medal was presented to Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. It's awarded to the most distinguished American picture book for kids.

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Twenty-four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds received the Coretta Scott King Book Award, which honors African American authors and illustrators who create exceptional books for both children and young adults. My Daddy Is a Cowboy, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza, won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award.

The William C. Morris Award, given to books by debut authors writing for teen audiences, was presented to Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Finally, the Michael L. Printz Award, which recognizes excellent works across YA fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, and anthologies, was awarded to Brownstone by Samuel Teer and illustrated by Mar Julia.

Order 'The First State of Being' Here!

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The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Just like fashion trends, coffee orders can quickly go out of style, and some drinks give serious early-2000s energy (ahem, Señorita Awesome’s PSL order). New flavors and innovations are constantly being made in the coffee world, rendering a lot of once-popular sips obsolete.

From overly-sweet concoctions to blends that have lost their edge, these 7 “outdated” coffee orders are practically begging for an upgrade. If your go-to drink feels stuck in the past, it might be time to shake things up and sip on something a little more current. (Luckily, there are some exciting new menu drops coming from our faves at Dunkin’ andStarbucks!)

Scroll on to discover the top 7 “outdated” coffee orders that are no longer worth the hype – and the ones your barista is probably judging you for.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

1. Frappe (Frappuccino)

While ice-blended coffees are still enjoyed in some places, the classic frappe has been overshadowed by a slew of other options like cold brew, iced coffee, and shaken espresso. Plus, these drinks can get quite complicated with chains offering endless customizations and add-ons.

Esra Afşar / PEXELS

2. Mocha

This combination of chocolate and espresso with steamed milk was pretty trendy for a while, but it’s definitely evolved with more diverse flavors and types of chocolate (dark choc for the win). Plus, mochas can get extremely sweet extremely fast, erasing the taste of coffee altogether.

Emilie Faraut / Dupe

3. White Chocolate Mocha

Mochas made with white chocolate were the drink to order… in the 2010s. Now, they may be seen as overly-sweet compared to more nuanced coffee flavors – especially if you ask a seasoned barista.

Esra Korkmaz / PEXELS

4. Caramel Macchiato

This highly-Instagrammable coffee bev used to be a go-to for many people, but over the years, it’s been associated more and more with tween and teen sippers – likely due to its sweetness and (very) high sugar content. If you want your coffee order to seem more age-appropriate and sophisticated, shift towards simpler options like iced coffee or cold brew!

Itschansy / PEXELS

5. Instant Coffee

While instant coffee is convenient, many baristas and coffee enthusiasts will turn their noses up at the mention of it. Oftentimes, you can get a way better flavor (and overall drinking experience!) with freshly-brewed or specialty coffees. Just save the instant coffee for your next camping trip!

Kelley McQuillen / Dupe

6. Espresso Con Panna

You don't see this one too much anymore. Espresso con panna – AKA a shot of espresso topped with whipped cream – was once considered a luxurious treat. With many people preferring sweeter coffees, it’s just less common now.

Mathias Reding / PEXELS

7. Irish Coffee

While still a total classic coffee order in bars (and especially around St. Patrick’s Day), Irish coffee is just not something you hear ordered as frequently in cafes anymore.

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Who knew we'd fall deeper in love with reading while covering Jenna Bush Hager's book club last year? With her help, we learned to look beyond our love for rom-com tropes and embraced tales about forgiveness, finding one's identity, and looking in the past to see what shapes families.

So far, her 2025 picks feel timely as we make sense of an ever evolving world where everyone's thoughts about love are so different. At their core, these titles are powerful pieces of art that will make readers stop to consider how they want to remember their lives.

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club picks

March 2025

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The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami

The Dream Hotel starts off with oppressed women being held against their will and ends with a revolutionary act that dismantles the very system meant to keep them locked away. Readers will meet Sara, the main protagonist, and other women who have been detained by the Risk Assessment Administration for being possible "threats" to society. In her case, she's charged with the fact she might put her husband's life in danger.

As readers can surmise, the rules aren't consistent at the center they're being held and their "sentences" stretch out to the point it's impossible for them to ever leave. But the RAA makes a miscalculation when they bring a new face to the center. Soon, the women they held back will expose them and others.

February 2025

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This Is a Love Storyby Jessica Soffer

Central Park has been a place of solace for lovers Abe and Jane since the beginning of their journey together. They've been in each other's lives for five decades and have experienced the rollercoaster of life's changes. From young parents to career-minded individuals, they've been through it all.
But their story is coming to a close because Jane's life is slowly slipping away and Abe is doing his best to remember every moment of their lives. From watching a young student search for something that makes sense to her to dealing with their son's complicated feelings about Jane, This Is a Love Story is truly for the lovers who knows there's magic in the little moments we take for granted.
Jenna Bush Hager says, "THIS IS A LOVE STORY is a powerful, unforgettable tribute to love, marriage, and the enduring strength of art," (via Instagram).

January 2025 

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The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

2025 is still just starting to unfold, but movie lovers have plenty to be excited about next year thanks to these amazing flicks.

From superhero battles to long-awaited sequels and fresh takes on classic stories, the upcoming roster is shaping up to be a blockbuster spectacle.

So, here are 10 of the most-anticipated 2026 movies coming next year.


1. Avengers: Doomsday — In Theaters May 1, 2026

Marvel Studios/Disney

On May 1, 2026, the Avengers will make their long-awaited return to the big screen with Avengers: Doomsday, bringing a brand new Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) team together for the first time since Avengers: Endgame.

Specific plot details remain under wraps, but there are rumors of an overwhelming list of powerful villains (led by Robert Downey Jr.'s Victor Von Doom) and the largest assembly of heroes in MCU history.

2. Toy Story 5 — In Theaters June 19, 2026

Disney/Pixar

If you thought Toy Story was gone for good, think again. Toy Story 5 is slated to be released on June 19, 2026.

It could take the story in multiple directions, possibly splitting its focus between Buzz leading Bonnie's toys as she navigates elementary school and Woody adjusting to life as a lost toy with Bo and their carnival friends. But we know our favorite toys are up against some new competition: screens.

There's also speculation that Andy might return, crossing paths with Woody while celebrating his college graduation at the traveling carnival.

Still, details are unknown, so fans can only guess what adventure lies next.

3. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping — In Theaters November 20, 2026

Lionsgate

The next Hunger Games movie is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence will return as director, and Sunrise on the Reaping will take viewers back 24 years before the OG movie to follow a young Haymitch Abernathy as he fights to survive the deadly 50th annual games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

This brutal edition saw double the usual number of tributes, making it the bloodiest in Panem's history.

4. Scary Movie 6 — In Theaters June 12, 2026

Dimension Films

Set to debut on June 12, 2026, Scary Movie 6 will be the latest installment in the popular horror movie spoof series. Shooting is supposed to start in 2025.

It's unclear who will star in the cast, but it is known that Marlon and Shawn Wayans, the original creators of Scary Movie, have returned to help with the latest project.

5. Minions 3 — In Theaters July 1, 2026

Illumination Entertainment & Universal Pictures

The mischievous yellow henchmen are back for another chaotic adventure in Minions 3, slated to hit theaters on July 1, 2026.

Following the massive success of Despicable Me 4, which raked in $969 million globally, the Minions franchise will likely continue to be a box-office powerhouse.

6. Scream 7 — In Theaters February 27, 2026

Brownie Harris/Paramount Pictures

Scream 7, which is in the middle of filming, will come out on February 27, 2026.

While the exact plot is a mystery thus far, Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega will not be returning. However, fans can expect to see Matthew Lillard, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown gracing the big screen again.

7. The Mandalorian and Grogu — In Theaters May 22, 2026

Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM

If you've been waiting for season four of The Mandalorian, you might have to wait a little longer because Din Djarin and Grogu will be visiting theaters next.

This highly anticipated movie will be released on May 22, 2026. Following the events of the TV series' third season, Din Sjarin and Grogu are now working with the New Republic to track down Imperial Remnant leaders, setting the stage for a showdown with Grand Admiral Thrawn and his rising threat.

With Mandalore reclaimed and Moff Gideon seemingly defeated, this film is expected to bridge the gap between the series and the larger conflict unfolding in the Star Wars universe.

8. The Odyssey — In Theaters July 17, 2026

Michael Loccisano/Pascal Le Segretain/John Nacion/Getty Images

Christopher Nolan is taking on one of history's greatest epics with The Odyssey, a cinematic retelling of Homer's legendary tale that will debut on July 17, 2026.

The film follows Odysseus on his treacherous journey home after the Trojan War, where he encounters mythical dangers like the Sirens, Polyphemus, and Circe. Read up on the incredible cast!

9. Spider-Man 4 — In Theaters July 25, 2026

Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

Tom Holland will return to the big screen in Spider-Man 4 on July 25, 2026, just a few months after Avengers: Doomsday.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Holland confirmed that production for the film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, will begin in mid-2025.

10. GOAT — In Theaters February 13, 2026

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Finally, Sony Pictures Animation will be giving us an animated sports comedy with the creation of GOAT, hitting theaters on February 13, 2026. Produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, it's supposed to be a heartwarming underdog story with diverse characters.

Which 2026 movie are you most excited for? Check out all the 2025 TV shows coming this year too!

It's another week, so time to dive into another batch of horoscopes! I write these horoscopes, not to predict the future, but to highlight opportunities presented by the moving planets, helping us align our lives with our highest potential. We have free will, and each person can activate these energies in their own unique way. Still, your weekly horoscope can help be a guiding light for your day-to-day choices.

This week, we have the chance to take bold actions that align with our deepest desires. Reflect on what you truly want, how you wish to live, and summon the courage to pursue your dreams. It’s also a good time for honest self-evaluation — consider what has held you back and how you can overcome self-imposed limitations.

Scroll to see your weekly horoscope for March 2-9, 2025!

Anna Shvets

On March 2, Venus, the planet of love and values, goes retrograde until April 13. It begins in Aries, moves back into Pisces on March 29, and turns direct in Aries again on May 1. As the northern hemisphere inches toward spring, embrace Aries’ energy — the same force that allows tulips to break through frozen ground and flowers to bloom from dormant branches. Each morning, visualize the vitality of spring as motivation to step beyond your comfort zone.

On March 3, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, follows Venus into Aries. We may find ourselves reacting impulsively, craving instant results. The best way to use this energy is to streamline communication — speak wisely, concisely, and clearly. Stay physically active to keep this fiery energy flowing in a positive direction. If frustration arises, take a walk, cool down, and then plan your next move.

With both Mercury and Venus in Aries, we can accomplish a great deal — just be sure to channel your energy wisely for the greatest good. On March 5, Mercury forms a sextile with Pluto, drawing us toward deep conversations, mysteries, and intellectual pursuits like psychology or astrology. This is a powerful time to combine intellect and intuition to gain insight into complex or perplexing issues.

This week’s planetary shifts encourage bold action, honest self-reflection, and meaningful communication. Tap into Aries’ dynamic energy to push past limitations and embrace new opportunities with confidence. Use this time wisely, and remember — your choices shape your destiny.

For deeper insights into these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a Natal Reading.

​Read Your Sun and Rising Signs

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Use your natural charm to your advantage. Take time to develop and articulate your ideas, then present them boldly with confidence. However, avoid being dogmatic — engage in conversations to refine and expand your vision. Stay true to yourself, but if you’re thinking of updating your image, be bold and embrace a fresh, creative version of yourself.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Pace yourself this week. You may feel drawn to retreat and recharge while also wanting to help others. Balance self-care with compassion — set boundaries to ensure you have enough energy for both. If your reserves are low, prioritize yourself first. Progress may be slow, but patience will pay off in the long run.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Engage with your community and collaborate on causes that inspire you. Innovative partnerships are favored, so stay open to unique perspectives. Hone your message — be clear and concise. Meaningful connections are likely, offering hope and inspiration. Support your group, but don’t neglect your own needs.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Strategic planning and honest communication are key this week. Conversations with superiors may lead to expanded roles or refined responsibilities. If you’re in a leadership position, engage your team to improve workflow and maximize collective strengths. Keep your vision broad but ensure your plan is detailed and practical.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

A thirst for knowledge and new experiences dominates your week. Keep your mind clear and let both intellect and intuition guide you. This is a great time for personal growth — embrace curiosity, explore new ways of thinking, and boldly expand your horizons with an open mind and heart.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Superficial conversations won’t satisfy you this week — you crave depth. If you’re in a relationship, nurture profound emotional connections. If single, seek out meaningful interactions within your community. If unresolved issues surface, address them courageously. Practice self-compassion and extend that kindness to others.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Communication takes center stage, especially with loved ones. Your desire for harmony is strong, but ensure authenticity guides your interactions. In professional settings, negotiations are favored — aim for long-term agreements that benefit all parties. Acknowledge your contributions while maintaining a balanced perspective.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You excel at detailed analysis this week, but balance logic with emotional intelligence. Empathy will be essential in all interactions. You’ll be productive and organized — just remember to promote camaraderie within your team. Be mindful of extremes; schedule time for relaxation and practice moderation in all aspects of life.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Creative expression is highlighted. Share your thoughts to foster deeper connections. Follow your curiosity and carve out time to explore new ideas. Embrace your artistic side and approach life with playful enthusiasm. Whether through art, learning, or joyful experiences, prioritize self-discovery and creative freedom.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Your home and family take precedence. Strengthen relationships through clear, compassionate communication. If misunderstandings arise, address them with active listening and kindness. This is also a great time to host a gathering — friends may seek solace in your welcoming presence and cozy home. Welcome unexpected visitors.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

New intellectual insights may challenge your assumptions. Stay open-minded and embrace fresh perspectives. Encounters with others may bring energy and excitement — ride the wave of spontaneity. Growth happens in the journey, not just the destination, so be flexible and enjoy the ride.

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Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Focus on security and stability, particularly in alignment with your values. If making major decisions, ensure they reflect your ethical and moral beliefs. Financial matters are key — consider long-term value over instant gratification. While you may be drawn to beauty and luxury, be discerning in your choices.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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