Chair of the American Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee Pat Scales responds to questions about book challenges, summer reading lists, and boundaries for school library parent volunteers.
Give Children a Choice: Advocating Open Access to Materials | Scales on Censorship
By on September 16, 2013 Leave a Comment
Tough Stuff: Middle Grade Novels Tackle Heavy Topics | JLG’s On the Radar
By on September 16, 2013 Leave a Comment
Fiction for grades three to five can take on tough subjects―abandonment, foster families, and racism. Handled with tactful gloves, the following fiction titles, selected by the editors at Junior Library Guild, allow readers to learn about themselves and empathize with those who are struggling with difficult issues.
Horror in YA Lit is a Staple, Not a Trend
By on September 13, 2013 5 Comments
Though R. L. Stine and Christopher Pike may be our quickest associations with teen screams, horror encompasses a wide array of books. Teen librarian and blogger Kelly Jensen highlights the latest titles in teen fiction that are bound to give readers nightmares.
From the Notorious to the Notable | Nonfiction Notes, September 2013
By on September 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
The fall publishing season is in full swing and with it comes a selection of stellar nonfiction to add to library and classroom collections.
Read Like a Professor, Write Like a Superhero
By on September 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
Making the reading-writing connection for students in the Common Core era requires models of good literature, a keen understanding of the text craft and structure, and solid skills in writing conventions. This season’s crop of writing guides provides students with all of the above.
Beyond Basic Concepts: Seeking Colors, Shapes, and Patterns in Our World
By on September 9, 2013 Leave a Comment
In addition to reinforcing some of the basics, the concept books highlighted here encourage kids to explore their familiar milieu with a fresh eye, hone observation skills and learn to note details, and begin to organize and categorize information. The stunning visuals and clever use of language exhibited in these offerings will also rouse imaginations and fortify vocabularies.
People Who Left Their Mark: Picture Book Biographies | JLG’s On the Radar
By on September 9, 2013 Leave a Comment
From breaking gender barriers to being the forerunner in children’s books illustrating, the subjects in the following titles selected by the editors at Junior Library Guild were ordinary people who did extraordinary things.
Dr. Seuss Ebooks Finally Available on September 24
By on September 5, 2013 Leave a Comment
Children’s book classics such as Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat and the Hat will be available in ebook format for the first time beginning on September 24. Fifteen of author/illustrator Dr. Seuss’s (aka Theodor Geisel) beloved titles will make their digital debut on that date, keeping the original layouts and iconic illustrations from their print editions, says publisher Random House Children’s. By November 2013, a total of 41 ebooks will be available for children, parents, and educators.
New Titles for Fans of Holly Black, Chris Crutcher, and More | JLG’s Teen On the Radar
By on September 4, 2013 Leave a Comment
Four favorite YA authors―Holly Black, Chris Crutcher, Nancy Farmer, and Neal Shusterman―have new titles out, and fans will be clamoring for them. From a study room that’s run like Las Vegas to the cruise of a lifetime gone bad, you’ll find suspense, humor, horror, and thrills in this selection from the editors at Junior Library Guild.
Gaiman’s ‘Fortunately, the Milk’ and Other Fun Fiction | JLG’s On the Radar
By on September 3, 2013 1 Comment
New baby sisters, substitute teachers, and friends (even if it’s a bowling ball) are frequent themes in short novels for young readers. Favorite authors such as Karen English and Andrea Cheng deliver new titles in popular series, while Neil Gaiman and Mal Peet (who usually write for older readers) provide humor and thought-provoking storytelling for kids who are getting comfortable reading on their own. The following titles selected by the editors of Junior Library Guild are just the ticket.
A Summer App Recap | Touch and Go
By on August 29, 2013 Leave a Comment
For those of you who have been sitting under a shady tree or on a beach these past two months—and we hope that’s most of you—we’re offering a summary of the app reviews published over the summer. The list includes picture books, poetry, music, a reference guide or two, and some beloved characters and timeless stories. These are titles you want to load onto your school devices ASAP.
Bouncing Back to School: Great Books for Easing First Day Jitters
By on August 29, 2013 Leave a Comment
From what to wear to following rules to making friends, these engaging picture books address common beginning-of-the-year concerns with solid storytelling, genuine empathy, and upbeat resolutions. Selected from the vast array of offerings available on the topic, the list includes titles both new and tried-and-true that will reassure youngsters that their apprehensions are shared by others.
Choldenko and Haddix Deliver Satisfying Sequels | JLG’s On the Radar
By on August 27, 2013 Leave a Comment
The following shelf-worthy additions selected by the editors of Junior Library Guild offer readers hard-to-put-down follow-ups by Newbery-winning and NY Times-bestselling authors. From the conclusion of Gennifer Choldenko’s “Al Capone” series and the latest title in Margaret Peterson Haddix’s “The Missing” books, these choices will be a slam dunk for kids and librarians.
Connections That Count: Audiobooks that Highlight Kids’ Meaningful Relationships | Listen In
By on August 27, 2013 Leave a Comment
With another school year on the horizon, the focus of August’s Listen In column is on the relationships that children and teens make—with other kids and with adults—to help them navigate the stormy waters of growing up. The ten audiobooks featured are excellent for group listening and for generating discussions about what’s happening to the young people in the stories, from the poignant depiction of friendship in The Other Side to the real drama wrought by abuse in Eleanor and Park.
‘War Horse’: Novel, Play, Film, and App | Touch and Go
By on August 22, 2013 Leave a Comment
Michael Morpurgo’s poignant ‘War Horse,’ first published as a novel for children, has seen many incarnations. It’s now an interactive, enhanced book for IOS devices. Watercolor illustrations, archival photos, and videos make this a production for both fiction lovers and history buffs.
Books to Enhance Class Trips and Learning Adventures | Focus On
By on August 22, 2013 1 Comment
The books presented in this month’s collection development column have been selected to support and enhance expeditions to favorite preschool and elementary-aged destinations: farms and other food-producing enterprises; museums (both natural history and art); nature reserves and outdoor-observation areas; community institutions; and zoos and aquariums. A mix of fact-filled offerings and fictional adventures, all of these titles give kids a break from the routine and encourage interactive learning experiences.
Tough Choices for Tough Boys: New Titles Explore “Manhood” | JLG’s On the Radar
By on August 20, 2013 Leave a Comment
From paperboy routes to dealing with a dad fighting in Afghanistan, these new releases selected by Junior Library Guild editors feature boys who make difficult, life-altering decisions.
MacLachlan, Henkes Tackle Kid Challenges in New Books for Independent Readers | JLG’s On the Radar
By on August 9, 2013 Leave a Comment
From Anna Branford to Patricia MacLachlan, favorite authors offer fiction for independent readers who have their own challenges to face. Selected by the editors at Junior Library Guild, the following titles feature protagonists who overcome their conflicts, and will be available for readers this fall.
Tracking Tapirs with Sy Montgomery | Interview
By on August 6, 2013 Leave a Comment
Why are scientists interested in this elusive creature that looks like a cross between a hippo and an elephant? Sy Montgomery explains.
From Diversity to Civil Rights | Nonfiction Notes, August 2013
By on August 6, 2013 1 Comment
The diversity of our nation and our struggle for civil rights are clear themes in this month’s new titles. Among our selections are two books that address the historic 1963 March on Washington, celebrating its 50th anniversary this month: one in graphic format for older students written by John Lewis, and the other, a picture book by Andrea Davis Pinkney.
