Age Level

An important read about standing up for yourself and others, about getting help, and about enduring. I'm so glad I didn't miss this book.

The post Book Review: Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Teen Librarian Karen Jensen highlights 5 titles that hit the sweet spot for readers in between middle grade and young adult

The post Take 5: Great Reads for Younger YA, or Upper Middle Grade – whatever it is we are calling 12-14 year olds these days appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

I am so glad that not only are we seeing so many more middle grade stories that address mental health concerns, but that we're seeing these stories presented in a variety of ways. The graphic novel format is well-suited for this story as readers will see the impact of what it's like to have a mental illness tagging along beside your every move.

The post Book Review: Living with Viola by Rosena Fung appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Not only is the story a total hit (and such a necessary depiction of a young Black boy navigating anxiety), but the format itself and all of the art make this exceedingly appealing.

The post Book Review: Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raúl the Third appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

More than anything, Manuel shows that vulnerability doesn't have to be scary and that there is hope and joy even in the darkest and most unsettling of times. A deeply affecting read.

The post Book Review: The Golden Hour by Niki Smith appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Authors Jerry Craft, Grace Lin, and others discuss the personal and professional impact of having parents call to remove their books from schools and libraries.

People don’t fit into neat boxes so I don’t think we should force characters into them, either.

The post On Writing For Children (When You Aren’t One), a guest post by Sabrina Kleckner appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS POST DISCUSSES SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND RAPE When I sent my daughter off to college this fall as a freshman, I was very well aware of the statistical truth of college rape in the abstract. I sent her with a black belt in self defense, pepper spray, Plan B, and more prayers than […]

The post Sunday Reflections: When the Discussion of College Rape is More Reality Than Statistics appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

The Reby Cary Youth Library opened in August with more than 8,000 square feet designed for and dedicated to children.