In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Jessica Walker discusses The Secret Astronomers in this latest installment.

Every one of our picks on the Best 2025 Graphic Novel list, ranging from early readers to adaptations of popular kid lit prose, has illustrations to be pored over and a narrative to be enjoyed.

Highlights from the SLJ Summit panel discussions include stories from Caldecott and National Book Award winner Dan Santat, as well as tips for creating a culture of reading and collaborating with public libraries.

These series offer readers unique experiences and a lot of fun.

From sweet to stinky, these series highlight the whole gamut of what nature has to offer.

Join us November 7–9, for the 2025 SLJ Summit in Baltimore, MD.

Convening in Baltimore, MD—live and in person—the Summit will assemble school library leaders and community stakeholders to consider the challenges and opportunities surrounding major topics in the profession, from applying AI in library services and mentoring the current generation of school librarians, to the finer points of collection development in divisive times. 

The Arkansas district instructed staff on how to block student access to 50 titles; the Alabama Public Library board wants to ban books that “positively” depict trans lives; Texas district reopens school libraries; and more.

The books that shine here, including the latest from Leslie Patricelli and Mo Willems, keep it simple, are all heart, and let babies be babies and preschoolers be preschoolers.

Join us October 9th for SLJ Day of Dialog—fully virtual and free to attend! Our daylong program of author panels, in-depth conversations, and keynote talks will leave you informed, inspired, and entertained.

Come hear about the hottest forthcoming titles for children, tweens, and teens, from nonfiction and romance to picture books and graphic novels. You can also visit the virtual exhibit hall to network with leading publishers and download digital galleys and other free resources.