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Junior Library Guild editors select illustrated picture book biographies on remarkable Americans that are perfect for inspiring children in Grades 2 to 6. These include a new take on Albert Einstein and a brief look at how libraries became more accessible to young readers.

The winners of the Audie Awards, the audiobook industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, were announced at the 18th Annual Audies Gala held at The New York Historical Society in New York City on May 30, 2013 and hosted by Daniel Handler (author of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” series written under the name Lemony Snicket). The awards, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), recognize distinction in audiobooks and spoken word entertainment.

The significant decline in reading skills many students experience over the summer is no secret, but it’s particularly damaging for children in low-income neighborhoods. 'Summer Reading: Closing the Rich/Poor Reading Achievement Gap,' edited by Richard L. Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen, offers an in-depth look at this disparity and offers solutions that go beyond recommended reading lists.

The publishing industry's BookExpo of America took place from May 30 to June 1. An annual gathering of authors, publishers, booksellers, and of course librarians, it held signings, panels, and events at the Javits Center in New York City.

In a charming keynote, bestselling author Holly Black shared a poem that she wrote in seventh grade, to the hysterics of the audience at School Library Journal's annual event held during BookExpo America.

Author/illustrators Lizi Boyd, Oliver Jeffers, Matt Phelan, Chris Raschka, and David Wiesner spoke about picture books and the art of visual storytelling at SLJ's annual Day of Dialog event this week. The panel was moderated by kid lit specialist and storyteller Rita Auerbach.

More than 20 popular children’s book authors and illustrators were invited guests at SLJ's annual Day of Dialog event on May 29 in New York City. There, they joined their publishers and about 250 children's librarians for a daylong discussion and celebration of the latest releases and trends in children’s literature.

Be sure to check out the nine starred DVD and audio reviews in SLJ’s June issue, and log into Book Verdict for 60 additional reviews.

From tragic turning points to budding first love, some of the most talented and up-and-coming authors for the middle grade audience shared their insights on the writing process, connection to their intended audience, and how humor plays a part in all of their works at SLJ’s annual Day of Dialog, held at Columbia University's Faculty House on May 29.