Public Libraries

Despite dangers, school and public librarians continue to push back against efforts to censor books. 

The most challenged graphic novel this fall: Gender Queer. And the award-winning Maia Kobabe memoir remains a frequent target nationwide. Graphic novels are more vulnerable, says Jonathan Friedman of PEN America, as older people simply are less comfortable with them. 

SLJ rounds up censorship news around the country, with reports of books threatened with removal in Arizona, Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The Front Desk author tweeted a call to action to her colleagues, as she tries to "motivate and mobilize" people to fight coordinated efforts to remove books from schools and libraries.

Well-organized literacy programs help kids in detention access and talk about books. 

Virtual maternal health sessions, books in clinics, and more ways for public libraries to reach families since the pandemic.

From graphical COVID diaries to investigative journalism, these comics are a time capsule of the pandemic experience.

Penguin Random House (PRH) Education is launching new initiatives as part of a partnership between Penguin Classics and #DisruptTexts.

Pat Scales answers questions about a recommended booklist; culling biographies for "questionable behavior," and titles that might upset kids in foster care.