The writer of the landmark YA novel, Annie On My Mind, died 10 years ago this month. Her work paved the way for hundreds of other books on a host of LBGTQIA+ subjects long before the acronym was created. There are now ways for children of all ages to address feelings without shame, to locate characters with hearts and minds and the ability to love as they do, and to feel empowered by books where gay young people (or trans or bi or ace) are part of the narrative. 

A students entertains classmates with a book some may find objectionable; an elementary principal nixes librarian readers' advisory. Pat Scales offers advice. 

The American Association of School Librarians released its annual list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning; Follett will begin online book fairs; the National Women's History Museum is looking for proposals for its annual For Educators, By Educators resource development; and more in News Bites.

Readers had their say about "Dictionaries on the Chopping Block," the latest Scales on Censorship column, and more.

Fearing book removal or losing their jobs, library professionals conceal bare butts and other exposed body parts in picture books.

A PTA president seeks to cull dictionaries featuring “offensive words”; a parent inquires about safe ways her LGBTQIA+ son can fight censorship; a school board expresses no confidence in librarians to make book selection decisions.

A teacher fears students will select "unacceptable" library books.

Pat Scales answers readers' questions and shows how successful defenses of free speech pay off.

Pat Scales fields questions about a student who harasses others over reading choices, a verbally abusive mother, and a principal who lets parents observe class.

Explore the latest resources for education's hottest topics: banned books and artificial intelligence.