Abrams Children’s Books has announced a new series of biographies for middle grade readers: First Names. Eight books are planned and will cover historical and contemporary figures in a highly illustrated format, with titles on Harry Houdini and Amelia Earhart due August 2019.

The 2019 Infy Makers Award, which gives $10,000 grants to 10 organizations to expand maker opportunities to K–12 students, is open for entries. But hurry, the contest closes February 21.

For an upcoming feature article, School Library Journal wants to profile school librarians who are leading the way in technology use at their school or district.

Librarians considering making the leap to genrefication—organizing books by topic or genre, in a shift away from the Dewey Decimal System—have a new option: Follett Genre Solutions.

With anti-Semitism on the rise, teaching the lessons of history to inform students and counter bigotry has never been more important. Here are resources with recommended books for young readers about the Jewish experience and a new curriculum to help students understand the Holocaust and its legacy, with the life of Oskar Schindler as an entry point.

A new campaign invites the participation of educators and parents to help promote literacy with the hashtag #ReadingIsforEveryone, with a related event on World Read Aloud Day, February 1.  

The creator of a mobile library serving children in Afghanistan, a middle school teacher-designer of a social justice course in West Philadelphia, and #1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias were named to the International Literacy Association’s “30 Under 30” list.

Herewith, 2018 in School Library Journal, cover by cover. Hat tip, Mark Tuchman, SLJ creative director.

In a difficult year, SLJ readers raised up good books for kids and teens, seeking out and celebrating the best in publishing. The most popular posts of the year included lists featuring Latinx and Native American themes and characters.