BOOKLISTS

7 Engaging Works to Bridge Past and Present with 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963' | Refreshing the Canon

SLJ and NCTE have revealed the 2023 round of “Refreshing the Canon” selections. The following seven works will deepen young readers’ understanding of the historical context of The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 and inspire them to connect its social justice themes to present-day issues.

BLOGS

GOOD COMICS FOR KIDS

A Podcast Experiment: SPEED ROUND w/ Marla Frazee, Dan Santat, Doug Salati, and Amina Luqman-Dawson.

BOOKS & REVIEWS

8 Supplementary Resources to Enrich Readers' Experience of 'The Bluest Eye' | Refreshing the Canon

12 Books About the Japanese-American Incarceration for Middle Grade and High School Readers

37 Standout Titles, Including the Latest Becky Albertalli and Angeline Boulley Novels | Starred Reviews, May 2023

More Books & Reviews

BOOKS & REVIEWS

8 Supplementary Resources to Enrich Readers' Experience of 'The Bluest Eye' | Refreshing the Canon

12 Books About the Japanese-American Incarceration for Middle Grade and High School Readers

37 Standout Titles, Including the Latest Becky Albertalli and Angeline Boulley Novels | Starred Reviews, May 2023

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Summer Reads Help Kids Imagine, Learn, and Have Fun!

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Publishers Step Up to Help Reluctant Readers

SPONSORED

Summer Reads Help Kids Imagine, Learn, and Have Fun!

SPONSORED

Publishers Step Up to Help Reluctant Readers

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BOOKLISTS

Revisit 'The People Could Fly' with New Eyes Through This All-Ages Resource List | Refreshing the Canon

NCTE & SLJ Reviews, May 24, 2023

SLJ and NCTE have revealed the 2023 round of “Refreshing the Canon” selections. Use these multimodal recommendations to contextualize and extend the messaging of Virginia Hamilton's acclaimed Black folklore collection The People Could Fly.

BOOKS & MEDIA

37 Standout Titles, Including the Latest Becky Albertalli and Angeline Boulley Novels | Starred Reviews, May 2023

SLJ Reviews, May 24, 2023

Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro's middle grade adventure receives a star this month, as do a Jarrett Lerner early reader and the Nintendo game Metroid Prime Remastered.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Beyond Tradition: Recent Jewish-themed Books Show Diversity of Characters and Genres

Marlaina Cockcroft, May 11, 2023

Fantasy or contemporary, funny or serious, these books show characters of different cultural backgrounds, skin colors, and gender identities, demonstrating the many ways in which Jews can be intersectional.

CENSORSHIP

Amanda Gorman's Inaugural Poem Restricted in Florida District After One Parent Complains | Censorship News

SLJ Staff, May 25, 2023

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman's poem from President Joe Biden's inauguration has been restricted to older grades in one Florida school district; New Jersey legislators introduce law to prohibit book banning based on "partisan or doctrinal reasons”; and more in Censorship News.

More Editors' Picks

INDUSTRY NEWS

Under Pressure: Survey Provides Insight into Librarians' Job Satisfaction

Marlaina Cockcroft, Feb 21, 2023

More librarians find their work challenging, but most still love what they do, the latest LJ/SLJ Survey shows.

COLLECTIONS

Refreshing the Canon Booklist

May 21, 2021

CENSORSHIP

ALA: 2022 Book Challenges on Pace to Break Record-Setting 2021 Numbers

Kara Yorio, Sep 16, 2022

Ahead of Banned Books Week, which begins Sunday, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom released data on challenges from January to August of this year.

CENSORSHIP

PEN America Releases Comprehensive Report, "Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools"

SLJ Staff, Sep 20, 2022

The first comprehensive look at book bans in the 2021-22 school year breaks down the numbers by state, author, title, content, and legislative pressures.

NEWS & FEATURES

Special Report | School Libraries 2021

NEWS & FEATURES

School Librarians of the Year Offer Ideas, Inspiration | Back to School

SLJ Staff, Aug 05, 2022

K.C. Boyd, Amanda Jones, Cicely Lewis, and other School Librarians of the Year share new plans and perspectives for 2022-23.

DIVERSE BOOKS

SLJ Diverse Books Survey Page Updated with New Resources, Access to Full Report

SLJ Staff, Jan 31, 2019

On the Diverse Books Survey page, users can access related content, newly updated, as well as our Diverse Books Survey report.

DIVERSE BOOKS

Diverse Characters Impact Decisions To Buy Books

Kara Yorio, Oct 24, 2018

While in the minority, the SLJ Diverse Books Survey reveals some librarians are declining to purchase books with diverse characters to avoid a challenge.

More Research

BOOKLISTS

6 Immersive Survival Stories to Bring Gary Paulsen's 'Hatchet' Alive | Refreshing the Canon

NCTE & SLJ Reviews, May 09, 2023

SLJ and NCTE have revealed the 2023 round of “Refreshing the Canon” selections. These 6 multimedia recommendations will enhance readers’ understanding of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet while offering them new stories of survival, both real and speculative.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Beyond Tradition: Recent Jewish-themed Books Show Diversity of Characters and Genres

Marlaina Cockcroft, May 11, 2023

BOOKLISTS

12 Professional Reading Titles That Focus on Children’s Literature

Jen McConnel, May 09, 2023

These recent and forthcoming titles celebrate the possibilities of children’s literature to support transformation, global consciousness, and creativity.

BOOKLISTS

12 Books for Trans Day of Visibility

SLJ Staff, Mar 30, 2023

From picture books and middle grade novels to YA novels and a collection of essays, poems, art, and stories, these 12 recent titles showcase a range of transgender and nonbinary voices and experiences, perfect for Trans Day of Visibility.

AWARDS

2023 Irma Black Award and Cook Prize Winners Announced

SLJ Staff, May 04, 2023

The Bank Street College of Education’s Center for Children’s Literature has announced the 2023 winners of the Irma Black Award and Cook Prize, which went to Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illus. by David Roberts and Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep by Elaine M. Alexander, illus. by Fiona Fogg, respectively.

DIVERSE BOOKS

17 Fiction and Nonfiction Titles by Tonya Bolden That Chronicle Black History

Shelley Diaz, Feb 27, 2023

Tonya Bolden is one of the most prolific and acclaimed authors of children’s and young adult literature that focuses on Black history. We thought it was fitting to conclude our Black History Month nonfiction/fiction pairings by highlighting a selection of her works for young people.

BOOKLISTS

8 Supplementary Resources to Enrich Readers' Experience of 'The Bluest Eye' | Refreshing the Canon

NCTE & SLJ Reviews, May 09, 2023

SLJ and NCTE have revealed the 2023 round of “Refreshing the Canon” selections. Check out these multimedia recommendations to supplement teens’ reading experience of Toni Morrison's classic, The Bluest Eye.

BOOKLISTS

Books in Verse: These middle grade works speak to the heart through lyrical language | Great Books

Heidi Grange, Mar 28, 2023

Middle grade readers will relish these 18 excellent books in verse, which convey worlds of feeling in a limited number of words and cover a variety of times, places, and situations, encouraging empathy and understanding.

BOOKLISTS

10 Collective Biographies for Women's History Month

SLJ Reviews, Mar 06, 2023

March is dedicated to celebrating women's contributions to history, culture, and society in the U.S. These 10 collective biographies of hardworking, determined, fierce women will teach and inspire young readers.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Beyond Tradition: Recent Jewish-themed Books Show Diversity of Characters and Genres

Marlaina Cockcroft, May 11, 2023

BOOKLISTS

7 Multimodal Picks for Exploring Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' | Refreshing the Canon

NCTE & SLJ Reviews, May 04, 2023

'Romeo and Juliet' is ubiquitous in English lit classes and in modern society. As you consider ways to bring Shakespeare's verse to life for students, here are multimedia works that can serve as both supplements and mirrors to the original text.

BOOKS

9 Manga Titles for Teens, from Single Volumes to Series Starters

SLJ Reviews, May 10, 2023

These recent manga titles for teens feature something for everyone, from slice-of-life family stories to action-packed fantasy adventures.

AWARDS

BCALA and SLJ Announce 2023 Children and YA Literary Award Winners

SLJ Staff, Mar 27, 2023

Star Child by Ibi Zoboi and Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas are among the winners of the annual awards that honor outstanding children's and YA books by African American authors.

BOOKLISTS

Little Kids, Big Dreams: First Books about Stage Fright | Milestones

SLJ Reviews, Apr 20, 2023

Gotta sing? Gotta dance? Gotta run away fast? This collection may help children who have never stood up in front of big or small crowds quell those butterflies, take deep breaths, and take their first steps toward the footlights.

BOOKS & MEDIA

'Are You There God? It's Me Margaret' Adaptation Brings Judy Blume's Beloved Book's Themes of Friends, Faith, and Growing Up | Read-Alikes

Abby Johnson, Apr 21, 2023

Elementary and middle grade fans of this coming-of-age classic will love these recommendations.

More Classroom & Curricula

BOOKLISTS

15 Middle Grade & YA Graphic Novels & Audiobooks for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

SLJ Reviews, Apr 27, 2023

For readers who enjoy or want to explore reading novels in different formats, here are 15 titles about AAPI characters or by AAPI creators to recommend for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Slice-of-Life Stories: Gentle Manga About Daily Living | Mondo Manga

Brigid Alverson, Mar 29, 2023

In these works, the characters are cute, the chapters short, and suspense is kept to a minimum. While the genre exists for all ages, many titles are ideal for younger readers.

BOOKS

9 Manga Titles for Teens, from Single Volumes to Series Starters

SLJ Reviews, May 10, 2023

These recent manga titles for teens feature something for everyone, from slice-of-life family stories to action-packed fantasy adventures.

BLOGS

My New Life as a Cat, vol. 1 | Review

Renee Scott, May 12, 2023

A body-swapping comedy where a teenage boy finds himself living a new life as a cat.

BOOKLISTS

Best Graphic Novels 2022 | SLJ Best Books

Shelley M. Diaz, Andrew Eliopulos, Thomas Maluck, Alea Perez, Carla Riemer, Nov 21, 2022

Striking images, stunning narratives, rich colors, and complex panel designs are prime examples of why these 22 works of sequential art belong in the classrooms and on library shelves.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Standout Comics and Graphic Novels by Black Creators | Stellar Panels

Brigid Alverson, Feb 09, 2023

Seven recent works and an overview of recent Black comics publishing.

BOOKLISTS

Eight Graphic Works that Offer Fresh Perspectives on the Past | Stellar Panels

Brigid Alverson, Jan 18, 2023

Including fiction, nonfiction, and memoir, these titles cover topics from the making of the atomic bomb to the history of video games.

BOOKS

Meesh the Bad Demon

Feb 01, 2023

BOOKS

Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand

Apr 01, 2023

More Graphic Novels

OPINION

Seed libraries: Grow a relationship with your community and help save the world | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Mar 22, 2023

In neighborhoods around the country, people are joining together to steward the soil, fight hunger, promote well-being, celebrate culture, and forge community ties through seed saving.

BLOGS

Guest Post: Welcome Back Authors by Laura Shovan

Betsy Bird, Apr 04, 2023

Today author Laura Shovan joins us with the question, "As schools open to visitors again, what do educators want authors to know about SEL?"

INDUSTRY NEWS

What Is the Best Age for Story Time? Librarians Weigh In. | First Steps

Rachel G. Payne, Mar 15, 2023

Is a mix of ages better in a group, or one? Youth services staff make compelling cases for both approaches.

INDUSTRY NEWS

In Their Own Words: Black Librarians on Making a Difference

Marva Hinton, Feb 02, 2023

SLJ spoke with five school librarians about how they came to the profession, the work they do each day, and their connection with students.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Elon Musk Is Why We Need Librarians | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Jan 24, 2023

Twitter’s decline makes the case for information literacy.

BLOGS

Sunday Reflections: My Child Deserves Representation in the Library

Karen Jensen, MLS, Mar 05, 2023

Teen librarian and parent Karen Jensen talks about LGBTQ representation in our libraries

BLOGS

Newbery / Caldecott 2024: Spring Prediction Edition

Betsy Bird, Mar 28, 2023

It's that time again! Want to know what has a chance at winning the Newbery and Caldecott in January 2024? Let this early list be your guide on what to read in the future.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Looking for a Book to Read Aloud? These Classics Made the Hall of Fame.

Kathy Ishizuka, Feb 01, 2023

Travis Jonker raises up the best titles for reading aloud. “Some will be obvious and popular. Others lesser known. All will be story time gold.”

More Opinion

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ByLine, Jan, 16 2017

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Online Library Safety Summit

Sep 20, 2023

SLJ Picture Book Palooza

Jul 27, 2023

EVENTS

More Events

ONLINE COURSES

Online Library Safety Summit

Sep 20, 2023

VIRTUAL EVENTS

SLJ Picture Book Palooza

Jul 27, 2023

SPECIAL PROJECTS

COLLECTIONS

7 Engaging Works to Bridge Past and Present with 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963' | Refreshing the Canon