News & Features

From biographies of Olympians to fictional mysteries and romance, get young readers excited for the Tokyo Games competition and drama with these titles.

SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads. Here's some of our favorite picture book biographies, from inventors and engineers to scientists and artists. The individuals profiled in these captivating read-alouds will inspire young readers (and their grown-ups).

Why wouldn't you want a funny story? These are guaranteed to provoke giggles and snorts. 

The pandemic habit that we hope will last—reading together! We pulled together some favorites that allow for exploration, discussion, or just lap time.

The Jason Chin title earned the annual award for best STEM picture book.

Tricia Elam Walker was named the winner of the writer award for Nana Akua Goes to School. Heidi Woodward Sheffield won the award for illustrator for Brick by Brick.

Companies continue to respond to the pandemic's impact on educators and students; NCTE is taking proposals for next year's convention; the Educator Jobs Fund Act of 2020 is proposed in the senate; and Simon & Schuster plans new graphic novels for young readers.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association will use the money to fund a one-day forum to strengthen support for Black/African American MLIS students; students fight censorship in Texas and Alaska, and more.

The new series will feature Black authors, musicians, and athletes reading children's books by Black authors.