School Libraries

The children's literature world was shocked by the unexpected death of author Kathleen Krull, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Also in this edition of News Bites, Ibram X. Kendi makes a deal with Netflix; opportunities for funding; and more.

One school library's Graffiti Books program lets students connect and have "conversations" by writing in books. It also keeps some previously weeded titles in the stacks.

The second annual News Literacy Week comes amid calls to make teaching these skills a priority. 

Pat Scales fields questions about video read-alouds, the fate of outdated "classic" books, and parents' disapproval of  books about immigration. 

We checked in with four school librarians to see what role they played for their students and staff during the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2020, and in the days that followed.

These lizards can be excellent ambassadors for school libraries.

Some educators abandon teaching the Bard's work, while others update and enhance Shakespeare curricula.

From a choose-your-own-path Romeo and Juliet to a Macbeth retelling that channels #MeToo, there's something here for all teen readers and fans of the Bard. 

From the pandemic and a presidential election, to school boards and systemic racism, SLJ's cover design and illustration helped tell the tale that was 2020.