News & Features

So often, the stories you hear about education are riddled with news about funding crises, achievement gaps, and failing schools. But those are the stories that make the news. And those are the stories Follett Challenge—a contest that rewards innovation in K-12 teaching and learning— is trying to change. The folks at Follett are looking for more stories. We know there are so many more stories just waiting to be uncovered in our future winning districts. So don’t be afraid to share yours.

Fund an author visit with help from the Maureen Hayes Award, win a set of Jasper Fforde titles, and discover a new source of STEM materials for students.

A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, May 2014 Reviewed from ARC This is a book that, I’m pretty sure, was written just for me. I love fantasy, I love courtly politics, I love dragons and willful ladies. Somehow, though, even though my review is due, I have to confess that I’m [...]

Children of the King, Sonya Hartmett Candlewick, March 2014 Reviewed from ARC Luxuriant prose, complicated and resonant themes, contemplative characters — Hartnett’s historical fiction is actually a bit of a genre-blender with thin fantasy elements woven in. Traditionally, the Printz committee rewards books that mix genres — but RealCommittee choices also tend to skew older, [...]

The latest grants, contests, and news bites for librarians working with teens, including a way to boost summer reading programs with help from YALSA and Dollar General, and a library awareness campaign from Gale.

I Remember Beirut, Zeina Abirached Graphic Universe, August 2014 Reviewed from final copy I’m struggling to remain even semi-impartial here. This is a book that I loved reading. But when I put it on the list, I was pretty sure I was doing it because of personal reasons, not so much because I was ready [...]

The ninth annual Carle Honors gala in Manhattan attracted glitterati from the children's literature world. Watch the KidLit TV red carpet interviews here.

Get the latest SLJ industry news roundup here: learn about Jay Asher's national anti-bullying tour; Ursula Le Guin will be honored by the National Book Foundation; and PBS has a tech initiative going on through November 30 that offers free tech how-tos and tablet giveaways.

Why cede the fun to the bloggers at Heavy Medal and Calling Caldecott? according to Betsy Bird. Here are her own predictions for the 2015 awards.