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When I was in the seventh grade, or eighth, or maybe it was ninth, I was presented with a brief bit on Reconstruction. The gist: Reconstruction was a terrible time in American history, terrible in part because a number of black men held political office and, boy, oh, boy, did they made a mess of things with their corruption, their ignorance.
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.
Nature, childhood, family, community, and dreamers are just some of the subjects honored in these titles to share all year long.
I’ve been in love with writing stories since I was a tiny ten-year-old girl with a curious mind and big opinions. In those three decades, it has been through writing that I’ve come to understand the world and my connection to it.
The 2019 Outstanding International Books list, developed by the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), represents literature from every continent.
Winner of a 2019 Coretta Scott King Author Honor, The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson is part historical fiction novel, part mystery, full of masterful plot twists and clever riddles. The latest lesson plan from "The Classroom Bookshelf."
The In the Margins Book Awards honor the best books published over the preceding 18 months that appeal to the reading needs and wants of teens from marginalized backgrounds. The committee selected three top titles in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, and Advocacy. They also released their full Top 10 list.
I was five years old the first time someone called me "filthy" because of my dark skin. I went home and spent the rest of the day trying to scrub the brown off my body. I turned to books early on, finding an escape in the pages that I couldn’t get on the playground—never stopping to notice how no one in the stories ever looked like me.
A new app and database from YALSA lets users access nearly 4,000 YA titles, plus awards, a new children's imprint, and more in NewsBites.
Including the Asian Pacific American Librarians Award and Sydney Taylor Book Award winners did not overcome the disappointment felt by many when ALA did not announce the affiliates' honor books during the ceremony.
On the Diverse Books Survey page, users can access related content, newly updated, as well as our Diverse Books Survey report.
Elizabeth Acevedo, whose debut novel won over the publishing world, critics, and award committees in 2018, continued her streak as The Poet X nabbed the Michael L. Printz Award and the Pura Belpré Author Award at the 2019 Youth Media Awards ceremony on Monday.
The Youth Media Awards provided surprises, a diverse list of winners, and some committee decisions to debate.
Teaching ideas for Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina, winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal.
Claire Hartfield and Ekua Holmes are author and illustrator winners, respectively, in this 50th anniversary year for the Coretta Scott King Book Awards.
SLJ's reviews of the Youth Media Award winners (YMAs) announced at a press conference at the American Library Association’s midwinter conference in Seattle.
The 2019 Newbery Medal-winning author talks about her reaction to the phone call, writing about Latino families at this time in our country's history, and the power of the award.
What does the power of story mean to me? Entertainment. Expression. Escape. But, that’s only scratching the surface. The power of story is so much more. To borrow some gamer lingo, story can be “OP”—as in overpowered. And, that is a good thing.
A selection of picture books that represent a panorama of people working and playing together while respecting differences and honoring similarities.
Reflection Press has put together a well made infographic regarding representation and own voices in children's publishing. Add this tool to your collection of tools to discuss representation and collection development.
I was the child born into the loving arms of storytellers. Just weeks before I came into this world, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his landmark “I Have a Dream” speech as 250,000 believers listened to Martin’s hope for a better tomorrow. It was August 28, 1963.
Young people have always used a language of their own. But does that language belong on the page? Is it literary?
It's a summer session of architecture, music, culture, and fun.
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.
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.
With anti-Semitism on the rise, teaching the lessons of history to inform students and counter bigotry has never been more important. Here are resources with recommended books for young readers about the Jewish experience and a new curriculum to help students understand the Holocaust and its legacy, with the life of Oskar Schindler as an entry point.
Netflix has brought back Carmen Sandiego and, with her comes a series of books and series-related materials for educators. That and more industry news in NewsBites.
The Poet X and Ghost Boys are winners of the 2019 Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children's Literature.
A new campaign invites the participation of educators and parents to help promote literacy with the hashtag #ReadingIsforEveryone, with a related event on World Read Aloud Day, February 1.
Nationwide, an increasing number of students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. A common theme: mentors and a support system.
There are a wealth of opportunities in this edition of NewsBites—from a earning school library grant or a social media superstar award, winning book donations and an exhibition possibly stopping at your branch.
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.
On April 4th, Lantana Publishing will release Maryam al Serkal’s tale about a little girl that wishes her curly hair were straight like her mama’s. Filled with vibrant art and images, it’s about embracing your natural hair, no matter where you’re from.
When it comes to teachable moments, nothing beats commemorative dates.
Salt Lake City patrons line up for free gun locks, while Ohio library staff gets mental health training, and Baltimore system teams up with TV personalities in this edition of NewsBites.
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.
Publishers are revising children's classics, including racist ones. Should they be?
Another best books list, a diversity survey, and a sleep study in this edition of NewsBites.
Herewith, 2018 in School Library Journal, cover by cover. Hat tip, Mark Tuchman, SLJ creative director.
These high school students created a wide-ranging cultural event with visiting college representatives, crafts, poetry, dance, and more.
In a difficult year, SLJ readers raised up good books for kids and teens, seeking out and celebrating the best in publishing. The most popular posts of the year included lists featuring Latinx and Native American themes and characters.
A popular nomination by readers, does Ghost Boys really deserve Newbery consideration?
Wondering what happened in Texas, where they wanted to bump Hillary Clinton and Helen Keller from the curriculum? Still waiting for the AR Harry Potter game we wrote about months ago? We've got you covered with news about past articles.
Critical reviews provide a means to uncover the way language and information is used to inform, position, and empower.
It’s a magical moment for a librarian when a classroom teacher says, "Let's collaborate on a reading project." Whether the teacher's focus is the Common Core, Social Studies, or their state standards, there are ample opportunities for a librarian to make a huge impact.
Take a deeper dive into the results of a question about summer reading lists in SLJ's Diverse Books Survey.
Jacqueline Woodson's picture book The Day You Begin may have more of a Newbery chance than her middle grade title, Harbor Me.
Recent titles address various privileges among young people. Ultimately, a lot of folks realize it doesn’t feel good to cause harm.
Authors Renée Watson, Ibi Zoboi, and Ellen Hagan joined Cicely Lewis to discuss Woke Books and their own novels.
There was a lot to take in on the first day at SLJ's Leadership Summit, which was full of moving speakers, inspiring panels, and breakout sessions with ideas for attendees to take back to school and implement.
The actor and activist inspired a room of educators with an opening keynote address at the SLJ Leadership Summit.
Librarians respond to the challenge of where to put diverse books once they have them in their collections.
Famed actor and activist George Takei will kick off School Library Journal’s annual Summit. This year’s theme: Making “good trouble.”
While in the minority, the SLJ Diverse Books Survey reveals some librarians are declining to purchase books with diverse characters to avoid a challenge.
SLJ's Diverse Books Survey reveals that many librarians are not aware of the term and movement toward better representation.
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.
The majority of public and K–12 librarians consider it "very important" to have a diverse book collection for kids and teens, according to SLJ's nationwide survey. But there are hurdles, including a lack of quality titles in specific areas.
A light touch to the writing makes plot details feel mostly appropriate, supported by strong development of character and themes.
Award-winning author teams up with Follett to curate titles and get "All Books to All Kids."
Jensen loved the movie, which left her reflecting on racism, her privledge, and this gift from author Angie Thomas.
Event planned for Lafayette (LA) Public Library will not go on as scheduled.
You Go First is a novel middle graders will love, but is it a contender for another Newbery?
Will this be one of the year's Travis looks psychic or one he'd rather forget? We'll have to wait and see.
Reading Around the World
Ranging in subject matter from folklore-style offerings to tales that touch upon more serious issues, these titles have been chosen for their ability to evoke a specific setting or culture while revealing universal themes.
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.
A classroom teacher and a librarian engaged early elementary student in discussions about identity and stereotypes—and asked them to evaluate a book collection.
I’m Your Neighbor Project has a mission to “Welcoming immigrants, refugees, and migrants as neighbors through the sharing of children’s literature and other stories.”
SLJ test drives Tour Creator, a free tool that enables anyone with access to a 360-degree camera or Google Street View to create professional-level VR experiences.
How can educators incorporate materials that explore empathy and encourage social and emotional development? An educator has some suggestions.
Listen to Travis Jonker chat with 2018 Pura Belpré award winners Ruth Behar, Pablo Cartaya, Celia C. Pérez, and Juana Martinez-Neal.
Damon, library support specialist at Denver Public Schools (DPS), and Torres, teacher librarian at DPS’s Montbello Campus, on Angie Thomas’s blockbuster YA novel and the upcoming film.
Common Sense Media finds that when it comes to social media and teens, there are no easy or definitive answers.
UK school librarian Lucas Maxwell's students at Glenthorne High School in London booktalk their favorite challenged titles.
