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Picture books are a powerful medium for helping children make sense of the world around them. Yet, when it comes to making sense of early math concepts, many picture books prioritize math over story, and few feature main characters of color.

As the pandemic continues, no one knows for certain what the classrooms of 2021 will look like. But robust content offerings and distance learning tools can go a long way toward helping educators feel confident that they are as prepared as possible for a successful new school year.

Black kids deserve to see themselves as the stars of the story, and it’s just as important for other readers to see Black kids as the stars of the story as well.

As libraries reopen and return to being the heart of schools and their communities, these stories and lessons will serve as anchors for young readers who are hungry to understand and cope with their new world through the familiar and comforting format of books.

When I decided to write my newest novel The Bridge, I was opening a door that I hadn’t opened yet. Instead of coming out as gay, which I had done in my first young adult books, this time I was coming out about my mental health issues. In some ways, this was actually harder for me.

Taking pride in a job well done is a professional triumph—and when the hard work is honored with an award nominated by one’s esteemed peers, the gratification is that much sweeter. Here’s what three past winners have to say about the award and their dedication to their work.

Recognizing the appeal of environmental topics among youth, many publishers are releasing works that tap into this interest. Environmental titles include fiction books with stories that cultivate an appreciation for the natural world, as well as nonfiction books that help youth understand the science behind issues they see in the news.

Spending summer days in libraries, Eileen Robinson fell in love with reading. Teenage Eileen soaked up Judy Blume, Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Stephen King, and Charles Dickens. In college, she devoured Shakespeare, Joan Didion, Classical Greek drama, and the Harlem Renaissance masterworks.

The SXSW EDU community is optimistic, forward-thinking, and purpose-driven with a shared goal of impacting the future of teaching and learning.