BLOGS

The Best Newbery Medal Books of the 2010s: You Decide

Remember the great kids' books of the 2010s? Ivan, Merci, and so many more! In the first of our "Debating Decades" poll, we'll revisit the best books of 2010-2019 and give readers the chance to weigh in on their personal favorites, children's picks, and the books with the highest literary quality.

BLOGS

100 SCOPE NOTES

The Best Newbery Medal Books of the 2010s: You Decide

BOOKS & REVIEWS

3 Powerful Novels with Puerto Rican Protagonists | Middle Grade Spotlight

6 Picture Books About Sukkot | Jewish Holidays

44 Stellar Books, Including Hi-Lo and Graphic Novels | Starred Reviews, September 2023

More Books & Reviews

BOOKS & REVIEWS

3 Powerful Novels with Puerto Rican Protagonists | Middle Grade Spotlight

6 Picture Books About Sukkot | Jewish Holidays

44 Stellar Books, Including Hi-Lo and Graphic Novels | Starred Reviews, September 2023

SPONSORED

SPONSORED

Kids’ Books in Spanish: More Variety and Authenticity Abound

SPONSORED

Finance and Data for Young Learners

SPONSORED

Q&A with Maria Russo and Emily Jenkins: Grown-Ups in Picture Books and The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale

SPONSORED

Kids’ Books in Spanish: More Variety and Authenticity Abound

SPONSORED

Finance and Data for Young Learners

SPONSORED

Q&A with Maria Russo and Emily Jenkins: Grown-Ups in Picture Books and The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale

EXPLORE SLJ

INDUSTRY NEWS

A New Blog from EveryLibrary, “Politics in Practice,” Launches on SLJ

SLJ staff, Sep 21, 2023

EveryLibrary has joined the School Library Journal (SLJ) Blog Network. Covering legislation, censorship, funding, and advocacy, “Politics in Practice” will encompass the full beat of the nonprofit organization, which solicits support for libraries—K–12, public, and academic—nationwide.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Librarians Can Play a Key Role Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Schools

Andrew Bauld, Aug 31, 2023

AI tools like ChatGPT are advancing by the day. Here's how librarians are using them, plus an overview of valuable AI tools and terms.

AWARDS

SLJ’s Reviews of the 2023 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Longlisters

SLJ Reviews, Sep 13, 2023

Here are SLJ's reviews of the books that made the longlist for the 2023 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Independent Publishers Meet Demand for Latinx Books for Kids

Shelley M. Diaz, Sep 11, 2023

With large publishers falling short, independent publishers have emerged to produce children's books with Latinx characters and by Latinx creators in both English and Spanish.

More Editors' Picks

INDUSTRY NEWS

Book Challenges Are Having a Chilling Effect on School Librarians Nationwide | SLJ Survey

Marlaina Cockcroft, Aug 24, 2023

Thirty percent of challenges led to a book’s removal in 2023. And while 34 percent of librarians who experienced challenges have considered leaving the profession, 65 percent are motivated to fight censorship.

INDUSTRY NEWS

PEN America Tracks 'Educational Intimidation' Bills in New Report | News Bites

SLJ Staff, Aug 24, 2023

PEN America has documented more than 400 state bills the organization calls "educational intimidation legislation" and the impact the laws have had; SCBWI launches a new award for books showing compassion to animals; and more in this edition of News Bites.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Exploring SLJ's 2023 Starred Books | The 2023 Stars Issue

Amanda MacGregor, Jul 06, 2023

In this overview of SLJ's 2023 starred titles to date, grief, intergenerational bonds, and other key topics are trending topics.

INDUSTRY NEWS

SLJ Technology Survey: AI Under Debate

Marlaina Cockcroft, Jun 27, 2023

School libraries are focusing less on technology since the pandemic. But AI and its role in education are top of mind, our latest survey shows.

COLLECTIONS

Refreshing the Canon Booklist

May 21, 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

NAEP Long-Term Trend Results Show Drop in Reading, Math Scores for 13-Year-Olds

SLJ Staff, Jun 21, 2023

The Nation's Report Card shows scores on the reading and math assessments of 13-year-olds dropped four and seven points, respectively, compared to 2020.

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

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.

BOOKLISTS

9 Picture Book Biographies for American Artist Appreciation Month

SLJ Reviews, Aug 01, 2023

From Jackie Ormes to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, these 9 picture books bring young readers into the lives of creatives who were born in the U.S. or spent years making art here. Share these titles to commemorate them and all artists.

BOOKLISTS

3 Regency-Inspired YA Romances

SLJ Reviews, Jun 14, 2023

Fans of the Regency era and shows like Bridgerton will find much to love in these romantic takes on the genre that range from swoony London to anti-historical vengeance to modern teens at a Regency-themed summer camp.

BOOKLISTS

13 Delectable YA Romances Based Around Food

SLJ Reviews, Jul 20, 2023

For tweens and teens who enjoy reading stories based around food, here are 13 romances to satisfy their cravings.

BOOKLISTS

3 Books about the World: Home is Bigger than We Think | Picture Book Spotlight

SLJ Reviews, Jun 06, 2023

Whether it's spring, when we first noticed these books, or summer, winter, or fall, offering children a way to look at the world that makes them appreciate and want to protect it may help guarantee its future, and theirs.

CLASSROOM & CURRICULA

15 Coming-of-Age Middle Grade Novels and High-Interest Nonfiction for Tweens | We Are Kid Lit Collective

Sam Bloom, Edith Campbell, Sujei Lugo Vázquez, and Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Jun 08, 2023

There’s something for every middle grader in this roundup curated by the We Are Kid Lit Collective. Up-and-coming chefs, family and friendship drama, and propulsive informational texts will keep tweens engaged beyond the summer months.

CLASSROOM & CURRICULA

Making 'The Outsiders' Immersive: Books, Movies, and Other Media to Enliven the Hinton Classic | Refreshing the Canon

NCTE & SLJ Reviews, May 17, 2023

It's just not summer if teenagers aren't pocketing S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, with its iconic gang members, dusty American landscape, and exquisitely crafted life lessons; this year, SLJ and NCTE reveal the 2023 round of “Refreshing the Canon” selections, where multimedia suggestions enrich The Outsiders and so much more.

BOOKLISTS

10 Nonfiction Titles in Spanish for Curious Young Readers

SLJ Reviews, Jul 06, 2023

Biographies of world leaders and creators, a rollicking take on the way animals sleep, and a primer on race for kids. These Spanish-language selections are perfect for rounding out nonfiction collections.

CLASSROOM & CURRICULA

21 Fun Picture Books to Delight Young Readers | We Are Kid Lit Collective

Sam Bloom, Edith Campbell, Sujei Lugo Vázquez, and Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Jun 20, 2023

From traditional Indigenous stories to the truth behind the Mexican jumping bean, these picture books, selected by the We Are Kid Lit Collective, offer entertaining and memorable reading experiences for kids over the summer break.

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.

BOOKLISTS

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

NCTE & SLJ Reviews, May 04, 2023

BOOKS & MEDIA

10 Ways to Nurture and Nourish Nonfiction Readers

Melissa Stewart, Jul 26, 2023

How teachers and librarians have brought nonfiction front and center at their schools.

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.

AWARDS

'When You Can Swim,' 'Warrior Girl Unearthed' and 'Sunshine' Win 2023 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards

SLJ Staff, Jun 21, 2023

The titles by Jack Wong, Angeline Boulley, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka earned the annual award in the picture book, fiction and poetry, and nonfiction categories, respectively.

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

All About Cats! | Mondo Manga

Brigid Alverson, Aug 23, 2023

From reading people's thoughts to appearing as reincarnated humans, these cat characters have strong appeal.

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.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Jasmine Amiri Is SLJ’s New Graphic Novels Reviews Editor

SLJ Staff, Aug 09, 2023

Comics and graphic novels publishing veteran Jasmine Amiri has joined SLJ as graphic novels reviews editor.

BLOGS

Lights | This Weeks Comics

Lori Henderson, Sep 05, 2023

Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Lights from Oni Press and Dona Quixote: Rise of the Knight from Henry Holt.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Understanding the Complex World of Superhero Publishing

Brigid Alverson, Jun 08, 2023

The long history of superhero comics means there is a bewildering array of characters and storylines. Where should a new reader start? Here's what you need to know.

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.

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

On ‘Klanned Karenhood’: The outrage of Moms for Liberty cannot be the narrative

Kathy Ishizuka, Jul 17, 2023

Moms for Liberty has waged war on public education and democratic values, leveraging fear and disinformation. There are steps to take, including exercising your own First Amendment rights to uphold a just and equitable society.

BLOGS

Multidimensional Masculinity and Resuscitating “Literacy Life” in Kids: We’re Talking With Torrey Maldonado Today!

Betsy Bird, Aug 01, 2023

With all the talk of middle grade novels and the need for concise reads, Torrey Maldonado stands as the king of such texts. We talk with him today.

OPINION

Seeding Community and Hope | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Jun 01, 2023

This month, I’m sharing some personal research combining two great passions: gardening and libraries. The culmination of my Master Gardener training, my capstone project explores how public libraries make ideal partners in promoting gardening and sustainable, organic practices.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Reporting 'Stress Tested': What I Learned Speaking with Librarians in Crisis | Video

Jess DeCourcy Hinds, May 02, 2023

For our May cover story, Jess deCourcy Hinds interviewed librarians who hit their breaking point and found a way to move forward. Here are her thoughts.

CENSORSHIP

How to Defend Your Pride Display | Scales on Censorship

Pat Scales, Jun 25, 2023

While situations may differ, knowing your library display policy and garnering parental support are key steps, says free speech expert Pat Scales.

BLOGS

Helping Kids and Teens Be Informed Digital Consumers, a guest post by Jessica Speer

Amanda MacGregor, Aug 07, 2023

My hope for The Phone Book is that it is a helpful resource for preteens, teens, families, and schools to learn about digital citizenship, digital literacy, and how to use technology as a force for good.

BLOGS

‘You can’t write to make people love you’: Kate DiCamillo on the 20th Anniversary of Despereaux

Travis Jonker, Jul 03, 2023

Listen to our special LIVE episode of The Yarn with Kate DiCamillo.

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

Subtitle

Headline

ByLine, Jan, 16 2017

Testing bluconinc section

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Marketing and Outreach Strategies to Engage Your Community

Dec 06, 2023

SLJ Summit 2023

Dec 01, Dec 02 & Dec 03, 2023

EVENTS

More Events

ONLINE COURSES

Marketing and Outreach Strategies to Engage Your Community

Dec 06, 2023

IN-PERSON EVENTS

SLJ Summit 2023

Dec 01, Dec 02 & Dec 03, 2023

SPECIAL PROJECTS

COLLECTIONS

The Best Newbery Medal Books of the 2010s: You Decide

The Best Newbery Medal Books of the 2010s: You Decide

Coming Soon(ish): The Wild Robot Animated Film

Book Review: All the Fighting Parts by Hannah V. Sawyerr

Being a Mental Health Helper, a guest post by Katherine Speller

Notes on September 2023

The Best Newbery Medal Books of the 2010s: You Decide

2 Magical Middle Grade Novels Featuring Indigenous Tweens | SLJ Spotlight

New California Law Forbids Schools from Removing "Inclusive or Diverse" Books and Materials | Censorship News

Title I School Libraries: Apply for the 2023–24 Mathical Collection Development Awards

6 Picture Books About Sukkot | Jewish Holidays

"We Need a Chorus of Voices, United in Our Determination to Protect Intellectual Freedom" | Opinion

3 Powerful Novels with Puerto Rican Protagonists | Middle Grade Spotlight

6 Picture Books About Sukkot | Jewish Holidays

44 Stellar Books, Including Hi-Lo and Graphic Novels | Starred Reviews, September 2023

3 Powerful Novels with Puerto Rican Protagonists | Middle Grade Spotlight

6 Picture Books About Sukkot | Jewish Holidays

44 Stellar Books, Including Hi-Lo and Graphic Novels | Starred Reviews, September 2023

Kids’ Books in Spanish: More Variety and Authenticity Abound

Finance and Data for Young Learners

Q&A with Maria Russo and Emily Jenkins: Grown-Ups in Picture Books and The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale

Kids’ Books in Spanish: More Variety and Authenticity Abound

Finance and Data for Young Learners

Q&A with Maria Russo and Emily Jenkins: Grown-Ups in Picture Books and The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale

EXPLORE SLJ

A New Blog from EveryLibrary, “Politics in Practice,” Launches on SLJ

Librarians Can Play a Key Role Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Schools

SLJ’s Reviews of the 2023 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Longlisters

Independent Publishers Meet Demand for Latinx Books for Kids

Book Challenges Are Having a Chilling Effect on School Librarians Nationwide | SLJ Survey

PEN America Tracks 'Educational Intimidation' Bills in New Report | News Bites

Exploring SLJ's 2023 Starred Books | The 2023 Stars Issue

SLJ Technology Survey: AI Under Debate

Refreshing the Canon Booklist

NAEP Long-Term Trend Results Show Drop in Reading, Math Scores for 13-Year-Olds

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

Diverse Characters Impact Decisions To Buy Books

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

9 Picture Book Biographies for American Artist Appreciation Month

3 Regency-Inspired YA Romances

13 Delectable YA Romances Based Around Food

3 Books about the World: Home is Bigger than We Think | Picture Book Spotlight

15 Coming-of-Age Middle Grade Novels and High-Interest Nonfiction for Tweens | We Are Kid Lit Collective

Making 'The Outsiders' Immersive: Books, Movies, and Other Media to Enliven the Hinton Classic | Refreshing the Canon

10 Nonfiction Titles in Spanish for Curious Young Readers

21 Fun Picture Books to Delight Young Readers | We Are Kid Lit Collective

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

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

10 Ways to Nurture and Nourish Nonfiction Readers

BCALA and SLJ Announce 2023 Children and YA Literary Award Winners

'When You Can Swim,' 'Warrior Girl Unearthed' and 'Sunshine' Win 2023 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards

'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

All About Cats! | Mondo Manga

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

Jasmine Amiri Is SLJ’s New Graphic Novels Reviews Editor

Lights | This Weeks Comics

Understanding the Complex World of Superhero Publishing

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

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

Meesh the Bad ­Demon

Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand

On ‘Klanned Karenhood’: The outrage of Moms for Liberty cannot be the narrative

Multidimensional Masculinity and Resuscitating “Literacy Life” in Kids: We’re Talking With Torrey Maldonado Today!

Seeding Community and Hope | From the Editor

Reporting 'Stress Tested': What I Learned Speaking with Librarians in Crisis | Video

How to Defend Your Pride Display | Scales on Censorship

Helping Kids and Teens Be Informed Digital Consumers, a guest post by Jessica Speer

‘You can’t write to make people love you’: Kate DiCamillo on the 20th Anniversary of Despereaux

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

Headline

Marketing and Outreach Strategies to Engage Your Community

SLJ Summit 2023

Penguin Random House Book & Author Festival Winter 2023

SLJ Summit 2023

LibraryCon Live! 2023

Marketing and Outreach Strategies to Engage Your Community

SLJ Summit 2023

Refreshing the Canon Booklist

Read Free Poster

Best Books 2022

Meesh the Bad Demon