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When school librarian Lisa Egan was offered a visit from movie stars to help her connect with students and generate interest in her library, she jumped at the chance and hosted a Q&A with Greta Gerwig, director of the film "Little Women," and its stars, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen. 

Newly inaugurated into the role, Reynolds promised to build on the efforts of his predecessor, Jacqueline Woodson.

Author Jason Reynolds has been named 2020-21 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He follows Jacqueline Woodson in the role.

School Library Journal welcomes a new contributor, award-winning teacher and author Donalyn Miller.

Ishizuka has been innovating at SLJ  since 2004, serving most recently as Executive Editor. Concurrent with the EIC position, she assumes the role of Partnerships & Innovation Director for Library Journal and SLJ.

The librarians huddled around a table at SLJ’s annual Leadership Summit probably hadn’t played with wooden blocks since they were in grade school themselves.

Best wishes to SLJ's reviews managing editor in her next chapter. 

La Sala sat down with SLJ to talk about giving power to underdogs, how drag queens are the ultimate world-builders, and the 10 years it took to write his debut novel...which he finished out of spite. "It was a selfish desire to correct many things I thought could be done a lot better, and a lot gayer."

Lewis, a Georgia high school librarian who challenges students to “Read Woke,” has been awarded the inaugural National Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers.

Author Andrew Clements is being remembered by educators, fans, and peers; the Library of Congress presents Rosa Parks through her own writings, photos, and memorabilia; Science teachers can earn a prize valued at $5,500 in an engineering contest; and more in this edition of News Bites.

Censorship expert Pat Scales provides advice on a teacher's claims of a “political hoax,” a warning to avoid books with the N-word, and other challenging situations.

Scholastic has long embraced the power of story through our simple mission to encourage the intellectual and personal growth of all children, a growth that we believe begins with literacy. We know that stories empower, stories transport us to new worlds and introduce us to new characters, but perhaps most important of all, stories have the power to connect us.

The author of Someone Like Me: How One Undocumented Girl Fought for Her American Dream discusses being questioned and othered throughout her life—and how that shaped why and how she writes for young people. 

Sera Reycraft’s American journey began in a United States Department of Defense school in Korea. At age ten, her mother married her stepfather, an American government official living abroad.

Best-selling YA author Ahmed discusses the brutal realities of everyday racism and xenophobia, what it means to be an American, and how librarians and educators can step up and speak out on behalf of marginalized youth. 

Memorabilia and objects have long inspired the work of writers and artists. Here are stories about particular items that have stirred their imaginations or brought a period, person, or idea into sharper focus.

When I was young, I was bullied and isolated and felt no hope for my future. It was through reading that I felt I had friendships with the characters, that I felt someone saw me and loved me, even if none of my peers did. As an author now, I can see that someone did see me and love me—the authors of those books, who had perhaps once felt the same pain that I did.

One of the reasons I wrote The Forgotten Girl was so that little girls who look like Avery and Iris and little boys who look like Daniel can see themselves on the page, and not have to spend their lives proving they are worthy of recognition from people who should realize their greatness anyway.

Speaking about the librarians who stayed past their regular hours at the Enoch Pratt Free Library to help him with schoolwork, the longtime Baltimore congressman got emotional. “There are a lot of good people who really care,” he said. 

Now I know that I identify as aromantic bi-gray-asexual, and I never would have known if not for writing Tarnished Are the Stars. There’s inherent power in seeing yourself in the pages of a book, but there is power, too, in writing yourself onto those pages, in making sure your story is told.

In this essay, debut author and political theory scholar Rosaria Munda delves into gender politics—both the ways in which we’re indoctrinated into a certain world view by society, and how she has consciously challenged that view through her life, and through the writing of her first novel, the critically acclaimed Fireborne.

Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Jandy Nelson interviews author Helena Fox on her critically-acclaimed debut novel How It Feels to Float. Covering topics of inspiration, mental health, sexuality, and writing, these two women deliver a thoughtful and lyrical conversation for readers to reflect on.

Kevin Noble Maillard’s debut children's title is a poetic picture book tribute to a family tradition and a food with origins in the diaspora of Native peoples in the United States.

On July 9th at Nerd Camp Michigan, Scholastic sat down with New York Times Bestselling, award-winning author Jason Reynolds to discuss the Power of Story.

The forthcoming "Hunger Games" release has a title and a cover,  Jeff Kinney lets Rowley pitch in to help educate kids about recycling, and more in News Bites. 

Randy’s latest book, Patron Saints of Nothing, is a powerful coming-of-age story about grief, guilt, and the risks a Filipino-American teenager takes to uncover the truth about his cousin's murder. It has received five starred reviews and was selected for the National Book Award Longlist.

Truly Madly Royally follows goal-getter Zora Emerson, who, at a la-dee-da university’s summer program, meets and falls for an actual prince. She has to learn to navigate a privileged world so different from her own, while sticking to her mission to build an aftercare program for the children in her town.

It was a salute to picture book art and children's literature in general at the annual award and fundraising event.

Actor and activist George Takei is as impassioned as ever about social justice. The author of They Called Us Enemy, his graphic memoir, Takei spoke to Brigid Alverson about the Japanese American experience and how the lessons of history can inform the current struggle for democracy.

Prolific, award-winning author and illustrator Mordicai Gerstein has died.

The public policy expert and activist explains the impact of systemic racism and white supremacy on access to information.

High-profile educators like to talk about tech tools and other products they like. We need to know if they’re being paid to do so.

There is a phrase in Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl’s Brave Fight to Walk: amahirwe aza rimwe, which translates to “chance comes once.” When Rebeka had a chance to do something difficult and scary, we faced the challenges together. Now we’ve partnered again to share her story, so that others will be inspired to take chances that change lives.

Administrators' efforts and advice, the power of immigrant stories, and the impact of the library on journalist Scott Pelley were among the highlights of the second day of the SLJ Leadership Summit.

Medical doctor and international policymaker Alaa Murabit kicked off the SLJ  Leadership Summit on Saturday with a challenge: find a way to translate their work in a way that compels the public and people in power to support libraries.

Author Shaun David Hutchinson considers taking a step back from darker narratives that reflect the trauma and struggles of the world as it is now, focusing instead on "telling stories about the world we could live in."

The day after my thirteenth birthday in January 1963, Alabama governor George Wallace proclaimed, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” I sat stunned on the sofa watching the six o’clock news. It felt to me that he had just declared war. Child of the Dream is my memoir of the year that followed.

Readers return to the Orkney Isles to join a young witch’s epic adventure.

Tami Charles explores transformation and forgiveness in Becoming Beatriz.

Her first picture book, which was sold when she was still a student, earned her a Caldecott Honor. Now she's back with another brilliantly illustrated story.

Yellow might still be a painful word to many Chinese, but it’s also the colour of gold, of Chinese royalty—just as I made sure to portray it in Caster. To begin remembering is to reclaim that power for good. And that is the power of story.

It’s that time. Nominations of stellar school librarians may be submitted, starting today, for SLJ's School Librarian of the Year 2020.

In this first op-ed essay in a series that asks different authors to muse on writing and reading in our current political climate, award-winning and best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson lays out the need for writers, librarians, and educators to "do the work" of antiracism, decolonizing our shelves and our souls. 

Author M.T. Anderson spoke about hope and much more as he accepted the 2019 Edwards Award, which recognizes an author as well as specific titles that have stood the test of time and made a “significant and lasting” contribution to young adult literature. ​​​"This is what I have wanted to say to my readers all along​," he told the audience at a ceremony held at ALA's annual conference.

The Nobel Laureate was remembered for her words and inspiring countless writers to follow her lead.

Longtime collaborators Renée Watson and Shadra Strickland discuss the creative process behind the cover of Watson's stunning upcoming middle grade novel, Some Places More Than Others.

Migrant kids in foster care and secure holding facilities will get books thanks to a new grant from First Book, plus coming titles from Lois Lowry and Megan Rapinoe, and more news.

Burners Without Borders, an activist group focused on civic engagement and emergency aid led by Christopher Breedlove, provides inspiration and motivation.

This "American Masters" film reveals details of the author's life through interviews with her, as well as her friends, family members, and writers she influenced.

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.

The Palestinian-American writer becomes the first Arab-American to earn the honor.

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. 

Celebrate poetry with these 16 middle grade and YA #OwnVoices titles.

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.

The author of Shout discusses family trauma, rape culture, and racism.

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's children's books. Researchers Katie Ishizuka and Ramón Stephens cited racist and other problematic depictions in classic Seuss picture books, ranging from The Sneetches to Horton Hears a Who!.

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.

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.

Renaissance man Daniel B. Botkin conjures the elephant’s power and gives readers a blockbuster adventure in TSAVO.

The author/illustrator of the “Lunch Lady” and “Jedi Academy” series opens up about his graphic novel memoir.

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.

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.

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