SLJ Staff

Children's literature has lost another giant with the death of Jim Murphy; Colin Kaepernick to release a graphic memoir; SCBWI launches new fund and programs; and more in this edition of News Bites.

Author Rick Riordan wrote a blog post in response to fans upset with the Disney+ casting of Percy Jackson and the Olympians; publishers and educational organizations join ALA's Unite Against Book Bans; and more, in this edition of News Bites.

This month's star-studded list is filled with a healthy serving of graphic novels, a couple of recommended DVDs, and books by David Levithan, Kyle Lukoff, Anastasia Higginbotham, Emily X.R. Pan, and more.

To support teachers and librarians in the face of ongoing censorship, School Library Journal and Penguin Random House—in partnership with PEN America, NCAC, NCTE, FReadom, and Library Journal—have created a poster that vividly illustrates the importance of intellectual freedom.

We Need Diverse Books is fundraising for LGBTQIA+ book donations, President Biden speaks out against book banners, May 6 is Floyd Cooper Day, and more in this edition of News Bites.

From Title IX to a cure for malaria and from anime to folklore, these 11 titles showcase the rich impact that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have had on American culture. 

Two New York City library systems are opening up their collections to readers across the country; YALSA needs a Pura Belpré award committee volunteer, LitUp writing fellowship is accepting applications, and more in this edition of News Bites.

Twenty-five libraries in Title I schools have been awarded $700 grants, presented by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, in partnership with SLJ.

SLJ asked school librarians: What is your No. 1 priority? What do you hope will change before next School Library Month? What is your one wish for school libraries?