News & Features

In a first for the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Meg Medina establishes office hours at the Library of Congress; AASL opens submissions for Innovative Reading Grant; there are big changes at Teachers College; the Mathical Book Prize submissions are open; and more in this edition of News Bites.

The National Book Foundation today announced the longlist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Eleven newcomers to the National Book Awards comprise the 2023 class of longlist honorees.

Here are SLJ's reviews of the books that made the longlist for the 2023 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

School Library Journal is now accepting applications for the 2024 School Librarian of the Year, sponsored by Scholastic. Let us know what you are doing in your school library and join an exceptional group of honored peers that includes K.C. Boyd, Amanda Jones, and Cicely Lewis.

PEN America has documented more than 400 state bills the organization calls "educational intimidation legislation" and the impact the laws have had; SCBWI launches a new award for books showing compassion to animals; and more in this edition of News Bites.

Our almost 500 reviewers initiate the first step in determining each month's stars. Backed by their professional experience, they nominate the books they believe will make a long-lasting imprint on readers' hearts.

The author discusses her Newbery-winning novel, the character development, research, the importance of tackling hard topics with middle grade readers, and more.