Related
IMLS-funded free, online professional development racial equity curriculum is now available; Dav Pilkey and Scholastic try to "Do Good"; youth writer awards announced and more in this edition of News Bites.
The beloved Mo Willems character is captured in bronze at the Park Slope Public Library in New York City.
There were inspiring speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and protests at the ALA Annual Conference. Here are highlights, news, and notes from this year's event in Washington, DC.
Blackall's Caldecott-winning "Hello Lighthouse" inspired art by young resident of Maine, where connections to lighthouses run deep.
A tribute to M.T. Anderson, who received the 2019 Margaret A. Edwards Award, which honors a “significant and lasting” contribution to young adult literature.
Cicely Lewis chooses books for her nephew, her graduating seniors, and young friends facing the larger world.
Midday meals and a range of activites will draw families to nine of the Contra Costa County (CA) Library’s branches this summer.
Summer activities at the Dakota County Library will include a sensory-friendly petting zoo and music, American Sign Language initiatives, and programming in the new Calming Space.
Author Erin Entrada Kelly answered SLJ's questions about her Newbery-winning middle grade novel Hello Universe being adapted into a Netflix movie.
The author of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, and many more children's titles, has died at age 95.
The record-setting game show winner and library supporter credits children’s books for his vast knowledge.
Our newest reviews editors join the people responsible for bringing you some 7,000 reviews of new books and materials each year to create a reviews dream team.
Four innovators use technology to bring out the best in their students and their communities.
Using podcasts, social media, self-publishing strategies, and other tools, these six trailblazers transform reading and research.
With projects ranging from aquaponics to breakerspaces, these innovators maximize tech's creative potential. It starts in the library.
The Lit Bar is the first bookstore in years in the Bronx, and its owner has big plans for her business and the community.
Stories hold a lot of power. Stories tend to be a form of escape for so many people; but just as often, they serve as a way for people to see their own experiences reflected by authors and writers who have gone through the same thing. People who offer comfort to readers who are confused or hurting or scared. I struggled for a long time. Because rarely were there books I could turn to.
Stories give us a place in which to locate our shared histories; stories are an affirmation of our selves. Stories of the past give birth to the narratives of today. Stories of the present allow dreams of the future. The stories I read gave me the courage to write my own tale.
A lack of diversity in children's literature and media, especially in fantasy, has created an "imagination gap," according to Ebony Elizabeth Thomas.
Citing California public-figure laws, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and its executive director move to have the author's defamation lawsuit against them thrown out.
The New York Times bestselling author's new series about family, friendship, and intrigue has young readers excited. Student Library Journal takes a closer look at the author and her work.
Christina “Steenz” Stewart, Dylan Meconis, Amy Chu, and Janet Lee talk about finding—and making—comics.
Librarians represented at SXSW EDU, as SLJ's School Librarian of the Year honorees, Ali Schilpp, Cassy Lee, and Michelle Carton, presented the session "Going Global with the School Librarian of the Year" in Austin.
Katy Hershberger, a writer, editor, reviewer, and bookseller who has spent over a decade working in children’s and YA publishing, joins School Library Journal as Senior Editor, YA.
Paper published in Research on Diversity in Youth Literature questions representation in Dr. Seuss books.
Interviews? They're cool. But interviews between authors and illustrators in the form of a comic? Much, much cooler. Betsy Bird brings you Andrea Tsurumi and Gideon Sterer as they discuss their book Not your Nest.
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.
In Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan's stunning new book, the authors introduce readers to two budding activists who challenge the status quo at their school.
The debut YA author talks about her path to publication, the “soupiness” of her characters, and what she’s working on next.
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.
Known for his discerning eye and love of theater, Neal Porter has established one of the highest quality picture book imprints in the United States and around the world.
The author has brought back the beloved Jewish family from New York's Lower East Side for a Hanukkah book for a new generation.
Acevedo received the award for her debut novel The Poet X, written in verse.
How much do authors’ reputations drive book challenges?
Check out the recording of Acevedo’s 2018 SLJTeen Live! keynote, in which she talks about her path to publication, the importance of literacy and seeing yourself books, and more.
Authors Renée Watson, Ibi Zoboi, and Ellen Hagan joined Cicely Lewis to discuss Woke Books and their own novels.
Liz Kolb, presenter at the upcoming SLJ/ISTE webcast Digital Citizenship for Tweens and Teens, created a curriculum for Michigan middle schoolers to adopt safe, responsible, and respectful online behavior.
Smith, who famously raised a black-gloved fist in protest on the medal podium in 1968, has teamed up with award-winning Crown author Derrick Barnes for a graphic memoir.
Today we have something special. Our past two Caldecott Medal winners, Javaka Steptoe (Radiant Child) and Matthew Cordell (Wolf in the Snow) interviewing each other about their lives, work, and how the most prestigious award in picture books has changed their lives.
This graphic novel is getting a lot of attention. It is a National Book Award finalist and absolutely a title with Newbery possibilities.
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.
Judy Blume, Laurie Halse Anderson, and LeVar Burton are among candidates to be 2019 ALMA laureate.
The author/illustrator of the “Lunch Lady” and “Jedi Academy” series opens up about his graphic novel memoir.
Renaissance man Daniel B. Botkin conjures the elephant’s power and gives readers a blockbuster adventure in TSAVO.
Toddlers and their caregivers in Meridian, ID, have a cool new space to love with the arrival of the Tiny Library branch, geared toward early learning.
Just hours before the 13th annual Carle Honors gala, SLJ reviews managing editor Luann Toth talked to the 2018 Carle Honors recipients at the legendary Algonquin Hotel in New York City on September 27 on Facebook Live
Artist, author, and educator Wendy Ewald's new book America Border Culture Dreamer: The Young Immigrant Experience from A to Z gives a voice to young immigrants and first and second generation Americans. Ms. Ewald sits down with Student Library Journal.
The adorable book-swap boxes weather criticism while spreading books around neighborhoods.
An interview with Genevieve Helsby on her recent release of My First Piano Book.
With My First Piano Book, Genevieve Helsby continues her joyful mission to connect children with classical music. She combines a lifelong devotion to music with her book career as an author and editor. Like her earlier hits Those Amazing Musical Instruments and My First Orchestra Book, My First Piano Book combines illustration, music, and words to reach children through eyes, ears, and touch.
Research shows that from infancy, children categorize visual attributes and assign meaning to them. If we don’t talk about race from a young age, we miss a critical window.
School Library Journal has relaunched “First Steps,” its early learning column, with two new co-authors.
From advertising to book-making to producing animated digital shorts: Is there anything this Latinx author-illustrator can’t do?
A frequently challenged book club pick; insisting on the Pledge of Allegiance
Several recent incidents highlight the need for more informed and compassionate policies when it comes to tweens in the public library.
The second-generation Cuban American author talks to SLJ about her sophomore YA novel, path to publication, and advice to aspiring teen writers.
The incredible life story of Hedy Lamarr is now a children's picture book. And Betsy Bird gives us a look at the cover of the February release.
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.
Six questions for Sharon Creech, plus a passage from her latest novel.
Listen to Travis Jonker chat with 2018 Pura Belpré award winners Ruth Behar, Pablo Cartaya, Celia C. Pérez, and Juana Martinez-Neal.
If you need a way to show your school administrators just how impactful school librarians can be, look no further than Ali Schilpp, Michelle Carton, and Cassy Lee—SLJ’s 2018 School Librarian of the Year, Champion of Civic Engagement, and Champion of Student Voice.