Age Level

Public library program builds relationships and understanding of issues.

James Brandon's debut YA novel Ziggy, Stardust and Me is set in 1973, when being gay was considered a mental illness. Sixteen-year-old Jonathan undergoes conversion therapy but finds comfort in music and in Web, an American Indian boy who isn't ashamed of his sexual identity. Brandon talks to SLJ about David Bowie's queer legacy, overcoming shame, and how the events of 1973 echo in our world today.

When considering videos for classroom use, finding a balance between current topics, top-notch information, and engaging delivery means the difference between media that sparks an eye roll and content that comes across as genuine, thereby captivating viewers and inspiring intelligent discussion. Here are 15 strong selections for library collections. 

Author M.T. Anderson spoke about hope and much more as he accepted the 2019 Edwards Award, which recognizes an author as well as specific titles that have stood the test of time and made a “significant and lasting” contribution to young adult literature. ​​​"This is what I have wanted to say to my readers all along​," he told the audience at a ceremony held at ALA's annual conference.

Hand these books to kids who are excited about upcoming films including Abominable, The Addams Family, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Maleficent 2.

After her son died by suicide in April, Michelle Oliver collaborated with an English teacher to look at Shakespeare's famous "love story" in a new way and to teach her students about suicide awareness.

In an award-winning internship at the Boulder Public Library, underserved youth work in the makerspace to design and create projects that can improve the community. This year, two teens built board games that are inclusive of players with visual disabilities.

Increasingly in recent years, members of library teen advisory boards have sought to work on community and social justice issues as they help staff with programming, events, and other tasks.

Homelessness is on the rise among students. With help, these kids can find their potential.