Students have traditionally accepted information in textbooks without question. But In high schools throughout the country, that's starting to change.
Make room on your read-aloud shelves for titles that will ignite discussions about contemporary issues, highlight little-known true stories, and tug on the heartstrings.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Children's Book Week, November 4–10, with titles that salute the magic of stories and pleasures of reading.
These inquiry lessons are ideal for elementary school teachers and librarians seeking a carefully organized suite of materials that offer hands-on, phenomenon-based science instruction.
The Dewey Decimal System is in many ways an outdated mess, and many of its flaws are more insidious than examples of old-fashioned conventions.
Here's how school and public libraries moved away from the Dewey Decimal Classification System to serve their students and communities better.
Refresh your lapsit collections and storytime repertoire with these warm and whimsical titles for babies and toddlers.
Twenty picture books to set the tone for the new school year, ease first-day jitters, and build the confidence kids will need to embrace their learning environments, make new friends, and shine academically.
Many titles have been published this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This curated list provides digital resources and books recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.
Colby Sharp, one of the creators of the first Nerd Camp, offers his advice for hosting your own version of the popular education camps with a literacy twist.
The record-setting game show winner and library supporter credits children’s books for his vast knowledge.
Waking up to the sounds of birds chirping has me thinking about placing an order for my school's elementary bird study. Here are some of the titles on my list.
All eyes will be on France next month when the Women’s World Cup opens there on June 7. Start stocking your shelves and getting your book displays on female athletes ready in anticipation of the frenzy that's sure to ensue.
A trio of recently published poetry titles evidence the power of poetry "to convey rich characterization, complex themes, and a reading experience that levels the field between struggling and skilled readers."
A new app by the German developer has been nominated for two Webby Awards.
From Sonia De Los Santos’s ¡Alegría!, which explores joy and happiness, to Ginalina’s It Takes a Village to Legion of Peace: Songs Inspired by Nobel Laureates by Lori Henriques Quintet featuring Joey Alexander, many of this season’s children’s music selections are filled with thoughtful positivity.
A look at women who courageously fought for the right to vote—their struggles, missteps, disagreements, and their successes—and those who were determined to exercise that right once it became law.
Recently published books celebrating African American women and girls highlight their important contributions to the arts, activism, literacy, politics, science, and other fields too numerous to name.
Video games provide a memorable way to present storytelling to students, offering visual and tactile experiences that leave them eager to explore related books and activities.
A roundup of 13 holiday selections, featuring books about Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Passover, Pride Day, and more.
Before we tune in to the Youth Media Awards on January 28, we’d like to focus on a handful of outliers that perhaps lack the broad consensus-building qualities of previously highlighted titles but are just as impressive.
How do the dynamics of power shift when women are in charge? These YA novels—ranging from epic fantasy to contemporary thriller with a historical twist—tackle that question and more.
As we celebrate multiple space exploration anniversaries in the next few years, these are just some of the recent crop of titles that will spark kids’ interest.
In anticipation of our coverage of Black History Month, add these selections about historical figures with big dreams, from board books to YA memoirs, to your collection and display year-round.
A plethora of tween-friendly productions present a golden opportunity for reader’s advisory.
Young leads and timely topics give these adult audiobooks teen appeal
The need for diverse and inclusive collections is clear. Karen Jensen, YA librarian and "Teen Librarian Toolbox" blogger, explains everything you need to know to get started on conducting your own diversity audit.
This autumn’s harvest has produced a brand-new crop of compelling stories, from a must-have manga series starter to a slice-of-life memoir in the graphic format.
Looking for new titles to add to your Halloween-themed book displays and programming? Check out these recently reviewed spine-tingling works for tweens that will spook and terrify.
What is Read Woke? School librarian Cicely Lewis and students at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, GA, explore the idea that led to a reading revolution at their school—and internationally.
What should teens read after they’ve enjoyed the adaptations of The Hate U Give, To All the Boys, and more?
Civic responsibility, activism, and activists, are highlighted in this this list of recently published titles.
Children's literature scholar Debbie Reese highlights recent picture books, fiction and nonfiction, that celebrate American Indian heritage.
If you’re seeking 2018 fictional works about Latinx experiences, look no further.
Titles by such esteemed creators as Yuyi Morales, Raúl Colón, and others.
In a series of vignettes depicting the experiences of Syrians before and after they choose to flee that country, and information on the refusal of many countries to accept these victims of violence, Brown has created a heartbreaking global and personal story.
While classroom and school libraries share the larger goal of advancing literacy, they often serve different purposes—and compete for the same resources.
This series shows Marvel’s impulse to serve the older, shrinking, extant audience for its monthly comics while also trying to reach new readers.
With Halloween around the corner, consider highlighting these spine-tingling and suspenseful reads from Lauren Oliver, Nova Ren Suma, Courtney Summers, and more.
These picture books address the sights, sounds, and seeming magical things that happen when night falls.
When it comes to questions about climate change, it’s imperative that we urge children and teens to seek answers that enlighten, inspire, and stimulate them to get involved as responsible inhabitants of this planet.
More books are being adapted to graphic novels—and vice versa. These trends are expanding audiences and creating opportunities for creators. Here's what's hot right now.
Elementary classroom teachers and librarians will want to add these titles to their collections.
Overhauling library systems, forging alliances, finding communities, weathering suspicion, and weeding—sometimes thousands of titles. It’s all in the first year’s work for many librarians starting at a new school.
How to draw on, and supplement, classroom teaching skills while making the transition to a school library.
Four fiction and nonfiction titles bring Jane Austen to children of all ages and reading levels.
We asked K–12 and public librarians to share their strategies—from genrefying to broadcasting booktalks.
If subscription boxes have been on your radar but you haven’t taken the plunge, here’s a primer. Plus, YA-themed boxes to recommend to teens.
Three new informational titles incorporating vivid visuals, imagination-stirring poetry, and personal perspective, emphasize the exhilaration of discovery.
In these new titles readers will meet characters who grow through their music or bridge difficult relationships to a soundtrack.
It’s time for another roundup for new and forthcoming YA (and sometimes not YA) books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. The titles I’m including here have LGBTQIA+ main characters as well as secondary characters (in some cases parents), as well as anthologies that include LGBTQIA+ stories. Know of a title I missed in this list? Or know of a […]
New books provide students with techniques to manage stress and to take charge of their lives.
Nosy Crow, known for its rollicking fairy tale retellings has announced it will no longer be producing apps. Hansel and Gretel is its penultimate production.
A look at the business models being applied to school reform.
From Academy Award winners to new discoveries, here are titles to enhance or jump-start anime collections.
Four devilishly good teen titles address the darker side of paranormal fiction.
These summer-themed picture books focus on getting outdoors, nurturing imaginations, and savoring time spent with family and friends.
Erudite scholarship. Conspicuous consumption. Music. Bawdy revels. The reign of Henry VIII is known for many contradictions. But it is likely most known for the monarch’s treatment of his wives, who tell their stories in the recently released Fatal Throne.
25 summer-themed titles for tweens and teens for reading all year 'round.
Inject some entertaining challenges into your summer reading lists, programs, or displays with these puzzle, seek-and-find, and participatory storybooks.
The 25 books here have received glowing reviews from SLJ throughout the previous year.
This game, which offers opportunities for cooperative play and team problem solving, will be appreciated for its design and deceptively simple, thought-provoking puzzles.
To properly serve immigrant communities, libraries are partnering with local organizations—and the patrons themselves—to boost collections in the populations' native languages.
Looking for short-term use of cake tins, camping equipment, or bikes? These libraries lend out all of those items and a lot more.
This has been a bountiful year for manga, in terms of both quantity and quality, and there’s more on the way! Stock your shelves with these series, perfect for summer reading.
We rounded up picture books, middle grade novels, and YA titles from the past year that either center the Caribbean American experience or are written by authors of Caribbean descent.
It’s time for another roundup for new and forthcoming YA (and sometimes not YA) books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. The titles I’m including here have LGBTQIA+ main characters as well as secondary characters (in some cases parents), as well as anthologies that include LGBTQIA+ stories. Know of a title I missed in this list? Or know of a […]
Books about U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the social movements and court cases that have forced our nation to reexamine the "unalienable" rights afforded only to select citizens in the 18th century.
These new works of suspense will grip readers—and push them to consider challenging topics such as the criminal justice system, anxiety, and more.
Appealing graphics and a series of solid foundational skill-building exercises make this app a winner.
Parent with Caldecott concerns, a librarian fears "Vincent and Theo" content issues (again), and an administrator who cracks down on students' rights: Pat Scales sets them straight.
School and public librarians struggle with how to handle the books of Bill Cosby, as well as authors Sherman Alexie, Jay Asher, and James Dashner, who have been accused of sexual harassment.
The world's most-viewed sporting event kicks off next month. Here are some books to have on your turf as the excitement builds.
For many children, the interest in dinosaurs extends well beyond their first introductions. Expect this quartet of new titles to be devoured by enthusiasts.
Peruse these recently published selections to rev up your picture book shelves, create an attention-grabbing display, or put together a fun-packed storytime.
The recently released sequel to the popularAlto's Adventure will keep viewers intrigued and challenged for long stretches of play.
It’s time for another roundup for new and forthcoming YA (and sometimes not YA) books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. The titles I’m including here have LGBTQIA+ main characters as well as secondary characters (in some cases parents), as well as anthologies that include LGBTQIA+ stories. Know of a title I missed in this list? Or know of a […]
Check out these May comics and graphic novels that your teens and tweens will be clamoring for! Goldie Vance, Volume 4 by Hope Larson and Jackie Ball, illustrated by Elle Power, colors by Sarah Stern (BOOM! Box, May 1). Goldie Vance is back! In Volume 4 of her adventures, sixteen year old ameteur sleuth Goldie […]
A new entrée in a popular series will delight fans.
Hello all, Collecting Comics is Ally Watkins’ column, but I’m co-opting her column for a brief moment to share with you how I’m going about re-vamping my graphic novel and manga collection. It’s okay, Ally helped me periodically on this project. I could not have done it without her and the help of several other […]
A selection of apps highlighting plants, animals, and ecosystems to share with your students as Earth Day approaches.
25 exceptional works of poetry and two verse novels made this year's NCTE Notable Poetry List.
It’s time for another roundup for new and forthcoming YA (and sometimes not YA) books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. The titles I’m including here have LGBTQIA+ main characters as well as secondary characters (in some cases parents), as well as anthologies that include LGBTQIA+ stories. Know of a title I missed in this list? Or know of a […]
In a poetic exploration of the justice system, family ties, and forgiveness, Crossan delivers a poignant story that will leave readers with much to ponder.
A trio of recently published young adult verse novels offer portraits of teens who find their voice through the written word.
Share these delightful resources with readers to bring a positive awareness about one of our most productive and important insects.
A set of sterling online resources bring book illustrators into the classroom for look at technique and material, along with some engaging personal stories.
Titles to introduce environmental themes, nurture an appreciation of nature, and launch creative projects.
In the last 25 years, informational books for young readers have undergone exciting and dramatic changes, evolving into five distinct categories. Nonfiction author Melissa Stewart lays out the distinctions, offers book recommendations, and suggests an activity for young readers.
A selection of books that provide a look back at some of the tumultuous and impactful events that occurred 50 years ago, the ramifications of which are still being felt today.
19 sites, apps, and more for Poetry Month.
A STEM app for young learners that encourages discussion and exploration.
A school librarian’s reading initiative highlights social justice.
This engaging game will intrigue mystery buffs and entertain fans of the "Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries" television series.
I began working at The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County in Ohio in January of 2015, for the second time. This was actually the public library I got my start in and I, along with a peer named Holly, were the first people ever hired to do teen services at this library. […]
Two new young adult titles that blur the boundaries of realism and fantasy.
Kelly Jensen shares some young adult literature–focused podcasts that will not only help up your librarian game, but also entertain and expand your reading world.
A quick look at recently published nonfiction titles, aimed at older readers, that center Black girls.
Books to inspire young women as they pursue their dreams.
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