Opinion

Comments matter to us. Be it frank criticism or sharing insight about the topic at hand or those exclamations, positive and negative, about our reviews, reader feedback is ­welcome, taken in, and considered here at SLJ.

Spurred by COVID, 18.3 million have turned to gardening—cultivating the benefits of physical activity, greater connection to nature, homegrown food, and restorative, sustainable practices, aiding the environment.

In this misinformation age, school libraries are more important than ever, argues a  a Michigan educator.  

How to handle confrontational parents; a principal's reprimand; supporting LGBTQIA+–themed books; and more advice on challenges and censorship.

Reporters and editors—we at SLJ included—want to get the story right, to bear witness, and to provide readers with accurate, relevant information. But the tenor of an increasingly polarized debate, with efforts to limit discussion of racism and LGBTQIA+ topics in the classroom, challenges journalists—much less educators and students—who must navigate a volatile climate.

Reader feedback on our award winner, reading comprehension, and a book review. 

In our May issue, you’ll find an 18-by-24-inch poster promoting the freedom to read. Famed artist Rafael López created the warm, hopeful image, which ­conveys the power of reading to open minds and hearts.

Literacy development depends on many factors, including access to learning that helps students crack the alphabetic code, their community's ability to meet social-emotional needs, and engaging curriculum. 

Alongside a national rise in censorship, we've received queries about our review process. For readers experiencing a challenge to a book or anticipating one, SLJ reviews editor Shelley Diaz and a panel covered the ins and outs of what we do.