REASONSTOLOVELIBRARIES

The Girl in the Cornfield: Author A.S. King Shares the Reason She Loves Libraries

The award-winning author says that a library saved her life.

BLOGS

TEEN LIBRARIAN TOOLBOX

Fracturing a Fairy Tale, a guest post by Caroline Carlson, the author of WICKED MARIGOLD

TEEN LIBRARIAN TOOLBOX

Why There Should Be a Middle Grade Section in Your Library, a guest post by Librarian Jennifer Rummel

BOOKS & REVIEWS

14 Outstanding Board Books | SLJ 2024 Stars So Far

2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award Acceptance Speech by Neal Shusterman

More Books & Reviews

BOOKS & REVIEWS

14 Outstanding Board Books | SLJ 2024 Stars So Far

2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award Acceptance Speech by Neal Shusterman

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BOOKS & MEDIA

Top Trends in SLJ's Starred Books | The 2024 Stars Issue

Kelly Jensen, Jul 01, 2024

Conservation, intergenerational bonds, joy, concepts of home, and other standout themes in this year’s standout titles.

INDUSTRY NEWS

2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award Acceptance Speech by Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman, Jul 13, 2024

Neal Shusterman received the 2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award, which honors an author "for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature." The annual award is administered by the Young Adult Library Services Association and sponsored by School Library Journal. Here is his acceptance address, delivered June 30 at the ALA Annual conference held in San Diego.

REASONSTOLOVELIBRARIES

Reasons to Love Libraries: 23 Notable Authors and Public Figures Share Their Joy

SLJ Staff, May 30, 2024

They are a community’s soul, “cathedrals to who we should be as a society,” and so much more.

CENSORSHIP

Virginia Girl Scout Kate Lindley Discusses Her Year of Activism and the Importance of Fighting Book Bans | ALA Annual

Kara Yorio, Jul 11, 2024

Kate Lindley spoke to SLJ at ALA Annual, sharing the original goal of her Gold Award project, the reason fighting book banning is so important to her, and what's next for her after an extraordinary year.

More Editors' Picks

INDUSTRY NEWS

Spend It if You Can | SLJ 2024 Budget Survey

Marlaina Cockcroft, Apr 04, 2024

With budgets mostly flat, book challenges and rising costs pose hurdles for school librarians.

INDUSTRY NEWS

BIPOC Representation in Children's Literatures Continues Its Slow Rise, According to CCBC's Diversity Statistics

SLJ Staff, Apr 04, 2024

The Cooperative Children’s Book Center released its latest Diversity Statistics report on children's literature, showing another year of small increases in books with BIPOC primary characters and significant BIPOC content.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Sora Report: Digital Reading Increases with Double-Digit Growth in Comics and Graphic Novels

SLJ Staff, Apr 03, 2024

The State of K-12 Digital Reading breaks down the data for the 2022-23 school year, showing the popularity of comics and graphic novels in the digital format plus regional differences in reading habits.

INDUSTRY NEWS

From a Young Age, Children Tune in to Audiobooks | Survey

Marlaina Cockcroft, Jan 04, 2024

Children are eager listeners—of audiobooks, according to a new Library Journal / School Library Journal survey. Libraries are keeping up with the demand as formats evolve.

CENSORSHIP

Nearly a Quarter of School Librarians Have Experienced Harassment Over Books | SLJ Censorship Survey

Kathy Ishizuka, Sep 30, 2023

Twenty-four percent of school librarians have been harassed this past year over books or displays in their library. That’s according to a recent SLJ survey, which found the rate even higher among high school librarians, 30 percent of whom have experienced harassment.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Graphic Novels, Manga Explode in Popularity Among Students | SLJ Survey

Marlaina Cockcroft, Oct 03, 2023

If graphic novels are flying off the shelves at your library, that reflects a remarkable trend: The format’s popularity has shot up at over 90 percent of school libraries in the last few years, according to a new SLJ survey.

INDUSTRY NEWS

SLJ, NCTE Launch Survey to Remake Summer Reading Lists

SLJ staff, Jan 19, 2022

Those dreaded summer reading lists. For eons, teachers have been handing out assigned reading, mostly comprised of old “classics.” With this survey, SLJ and NCTE invite teachers and librarians to choose the titles you’d like culled from required reading and those books you would urge students to read instead.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Time to Refresh the Canon: Here Are Our Picks

Shelley Diaz, May 10, 2022

SLJ and NCTE collaborated to create 18 booklists of titles to replace, or use as a companion to, canon "classics."

INDUSTRY NEWS

Under Pressure: Survey Provides Insight into Librarians' Job Satisfaction

Marlaina Cockcroft, Feb 21, 2023

More librarians find their work challenging, but most still love what they do, the latest LJ/SLJ Survey shows.

CENSORSHIP

Censorship Attempts Will Have a Long-lasting Impact on School Library Collections, SLJ Survey Shows

Kara Yorio, Sep 08, 2022

In the past year, school librarians have faced coordinated, hate-filled censorship campaigns that impact available books and collection development decisions. Here, they share their stories.

More Research

BOOKLISTS

42 Stellar Middle Grade | SLJ 2024 Stars So Far

SLJ Reviews, Jul 08, 2024

This year has gone above and beyond with its middle grade offerings! From powerful historical fiction to hilarious magical mayhem, this list features our top titles so far.

BOOKLISTS

A Tree Grows …in Korea! | Elementary Spotlight

SLJ Reviews, Jun 21, 2024

Two picture books take on the magic of trees springing up from mere seeds in stories with redemptive themes as well as teaching moments.

BOOKLISTS

32 Excellent New Releases by Neal Shusterman, Gail Jarrow, Karen M. McManus, and More | Starred Reviews, July 2024

SLJ Reviews, Jul 02, 2024

A new thriller from Joelle Wellington, a nonfiction title from Paula Yoo, and an illustrated poem from Ada Limón are of note among this month's stars. Along with poetry, board books and audio are also featured this month.

CENSORSHIP

Defending the Canon: SLJ & NCTE Review 15 Banned Classics

SLJ Reviewers and NCTE, Apr 17, 2024

In our last round of reviews of banned classics, SLJ and NCTE cover two of Jane Austen's works, the timely Fahrenheit 451, and the heartbreaking I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

BOOKLISTS

13 Charming Board Books for Spanish and Bilingual Shelves

SLJ Reviews, Jul 03, 2024

From miniature biographies of icons Selena and El Chavo to more adventures about Juana Martinez-Neal's beloved Alma, these board books will put smiles on little ones' faces.

NEWS & FEATURES

6 Multiplayer Video Games for Library Collections

Chance Lee Joyner, Jul 10, 2024

From multiplayer matches to couch co-op adventures, sometimes two (or more) heads are better than one. Here are six multiplayer video games to add to your collection for building community in the library and at home.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Nonfiction for Young Readers About Paralympians and the Paralympic Games

SLJ Reviews, Jun 24, 2024

As the world prepares for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, here are a few nonfiction titles about the Games and some of the inspiring athletes who have competed in them.

BOOKLISTS

13 Joy-Filled Middle Grade Titles for Tweens’ Summer Reading | We Are Kid Lit Collective

Sam Bloom, Edith Campbell, Ariana Hussain, Sujei Lugo & Lyn Miller-Lachmann, May 16, 2024

From magical school fantasies to hilarious sibling stories, these 13 selections will keep middle schoolers turning pages during summer break. Complete with graphic novels, biographies, and poetry, this list has something for every tween.

BOOKLISTS

10 Reference Titles for Research in Women's History, Sharks, AI & More

SLJ Reviews, Jun 25, 2024

This print reference roundup features nonfiction titles for all ages, including a bird guide for kids, a volume on censorship, two research-ready tomes on women's history, and the ultimate bugopedia.

ADVOCACY

15 Graphic Novels to Celebrate Pride This Month and Year-Round

SLJ Staff, Jun 17, 2024

As we find ourselves at the midway point of June, amidst the celebrations of Pride Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of narratives within the LGBTQIA+ community with 15 noteworthy graphic novels that can help us celebrate Pride this month, and year-round.

BOOKLISTS

4 Captivating Crossover Titles for Teens to Read During Summer Break | We Are Kid Lit Collective

Sam Bloom, Edith Campbell, Ariana Hussain, Sujei Lugo & Lyn Miller-Lachmann, May 30, 2024

From a TEDx Talk to a manga, these transmedia picks will entice young adults to keep their minds engaged this summer.

BOOKS & MEDIA

11 Standout Caribbean Picture Books of 2024

Summer Edward, May 17, 2024

Conveying a range of experiences, these stories of family, love, humor, and loss will engage children during Caribbean American Heritage Month and beyond.

AWARDS

USBBY Announces the 2024 Outstanding International Books List

The Outstanding International Books Committee, with introduction by Committee Chair Sara Kersten-Parrish, Jan 29, 2024

In each of the 41 titles on this year’s United States Board on Books for Young People’s (USBBY) Outstanding International Books list, the authors and illustrators empower readers to make sense of themselves and the world at large. Download the full list.

BOOKS & MEDIA

4 Poetry Books About the Great Outdoors | Spotlight

SLJ Reviews, May 22, 2024

From wind to wildlife, bring a touch of nature into kids' reading selections with these books about the natural world.

BOOKLISTS

21 Inclusive Picture Books to Jump-Start Summer Reading | We Are Kid Lit Collective

Sam Bloom, Edith Campbell, Ariana Hussain, Sujei Lugo & Lyn Miller-Lachmann, May 02, 2024

From the Caldecott-winning Big by Vashti Harrison to a bilingual counting book in Mi’kmaw and English, these illustrated works are guaranteed to engage young readers during summer break and all year around.

BOOKS & MEDIA

8 Titles of Resilience and Hope for Holocaust Remembrance Day

SLJ Reviews, Jan 23, 2024

January 27 is designated as a day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Share these stories of resilience and hope about people of various ages, races, nationalities, and more with young readers today and throughout the year.

BOOKLISTS

19 Books Featuring Incarcerated Family Members for Young Readers of All Ages

Rachel Owens, Jun 05, 2024

Stories of children with parents behind bars are as diverse as the millions of real-life kids familiar with the experience. These 19 fiction and nonfiction titles may offer an empathetic, metaphoric hand for young readers to hold.

TEENS

2 Coming-of-Age YA Novels-in-Verse | SLJ Spotlight

SLJ Reviews, Apr 10, 2024

These YA novels pair a lyrical verse format with engaging narratives of teen girls coming of age.

More Classroom & Curricula

BOOKLISTS

Eight Fantasy-Focused Graphic Novels | Stellar Panels

Brigid Alverson, May 21, 2024

From a fire-breathing corgi to bunnies with wings, characters in these fantasy titles for elementary and middle school readers hold strong appeal.

AWARDS

2024 Eisner Award Nominations Announced

SLJ Staff, May 17, 2024

National Book Award winner A First Time For Everything by Dan Santat and Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka are among the many children's literature titles nominated for the 2024 Eisner Awards.

BOOKLISTS

Sports Comics Take the Field

Brigid Alverson, Apr 11, 2024

Teamwork, competition, and the glory of team sports drive these graphic novel stories for elementary through high school readers.

BOOKLISTS

Graphic Novels Bring Principles of Government and Politics to Life

Brigid Alverson, Jan 31, 2024

Eight books for elementary through high school readers center issues of democracy with engaging examples and stories.

BOOKLISTS

Best Graphic Novels 2023 | SLJ Best Books

Jasmine Amiri, Jenny Arch, Shelley M. Diaz, Andrea Lipinski, Carla Riemer, Nov 21, 2023

From stunning memoirs to sustainability guides, this year’s Best Graphic Novels list features 25 unforgettable works that take comics to new heights.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Fighting for Libraries, On and Off the Page: A Conversation Between the Co-Authors of the "Blue Stars" Series

Kekla Magoon & Cynthia Leitich Smith, Feb 29, 2024

Co-authors Kekla Magoon & Cynthia Leitich Smith in conversation about the inspiration behind The Blue Stars Series: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem: "When we set out to write a middle grade graphic novel series about cousins who became superheroes to save their school library, we couldn't have imagined how timely our story would become."

BLOGS

Unhappy Camper | This Week’s Comics

Lori Henderson, Apr 29, 2024

Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Unhappy Camper from Harper Alley and Dr. Seuss Cat Out Of Water from Random House Graphic.

BOOKLISTS

Sports Comics Take the Field

Brigid Alverson, Apr 11, 2024

Teamwork, competition, and the glory of team sports drive these graphic novel stories for elementary through high school readers.

BOOKS & MEDIA

20 Graphic Novels and Comics Inspired by Webtoons

Brigid Alverson, Oct 30, 2023

Witches, orphans, gods, and some ordinary folks populate these compelling stories for grades 5 and up.

BOOKS & MEDIA

Witches Take Center Stage in These Manga for Tweens and Teens

Brigid Alverson, Oct 04, 2023

In these seven manga works for grades five and up, affable characters cast gentle spells.

BLOGS

Recent Graphic Novel Deals, Late October and November 2023 | News

Johanna, Dec 21, 2023

Here's a look at some recently signed graphic novel deals—and what we can expect coming up!

BLOGS

Oshi no Ko, vol. 1-4 | Review

Renee Scott, Dec 20, 2023

An OBGYN and an idol pop star find their lives intertwined in a bizarre way in this hit series.

BOOKS & MEDIA

15 Visual Books to Help Students Grapple with Big Feelings

Jess DeCourcy Hinds, Sep 12, 2023

These picture books and graphic novels for elementary students through high schoolers show the power of illustration to convey complex emotions.

OPINION

Turning a Page: SLJ will turn 70. How can we best serve readers? | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Oct 15, 2023

The editors are planning for 2024, SLJ's 70th anniversary year.

More Graphic Novels

INDUSTRY NEWS

A Librarian in the Library Is Good: John Oliver, ‘Abbott Elementary’ on an institution worth fighting for | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Jun 03, 2024

Can exposure in popular media make a difference? Given the sheer reach of these shows, it’s hard to imagine they haven’t raised awareness of libraries and the larger stakes currently at play.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Teacher Appreciation Week: Authors Share Memories Of Educators Who Made an Impact

Daryl Grabarek, May 06, 2024

Daniel Bernstrom, Carole Boston Weatherford, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kekla Magoon, Scott Reintgen, and others share stories about educators who played an important role in their lives.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Why Would You Put Pants on David? That’s the Funny Part. | Feedback

SLJ staff, May 31, 2024

On “The Cover-Up: Under Pressure, Some School Librarians Alter Illustrations to Avoid Book Challenges,” readers had a lot to say.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Beware Workarounds. Attempting to Appease Censors, Libraries Risk Compromising Values. | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, May 10, 2024

To fathom the defacing of images in children’s books, one almost has to process it in stages, beginning with incredulity. The issue, however, is no joke, and librarians are feeling the pressure. In our reporting, the frequency of instances involving the altering of material by school librarians was such that we elevated this to a cover story.

BLOGS

Guess Who Themed Teen Fiction RA (with thanks to Melissa Corey)

Karen Jensen, MLS, Jul 11, 2024

Some fun Reader's Advisory inspired by the children's game Guess Who with special thanks to librarian Melissa Corey

BLOGS

It’s the Librarian’s Fault! How the public library violently made me fall in love with reading and become a writer, a guest post by Hemant Nayak

Amanda MacGregor, Jul 08, 2024

Life takes its own twists and turns, whatever the magic of the library intends. But the love of fantasy and writing and books ran deep, deep, deep. The power of the library would not be denied in the end.

REASONSTOLOVELIBRARIES

Reasons to Love Libraries: 23 Notable Authors and Public Figures Share Their Joy

SLJ Staff, May 30, 2024

They are a community’s soul, “cathedrals to who we should be as a society,” and so much more.

INDUSTRY NEWS

What’s not Cringe? Books. Gen Alpha Likes to Read. | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Apr 16, 2024

Gen A is plugged in and opinionated, as marketers attempt to keep pace. Librarians stay right with young users, knowing that's all a part of the job.

BLOGS

The Perfect Conduit for Stories: Amy Hest & Erin Stead Discuss Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

Betsy Bird, Jun 27, 2024

Amy Hest and Erin E. Stead talk up their latest title and how they're "still on the kids' side" when it comes to creating their books.

AWARDS

Neal Shusterman, Dystopian Optimist

Kara Yorio, Jun 06, 2024

The 2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award winner talks about hope, collaboration, and the school librarian who changed his life.

OPINION

Gauging Service to Spanish Speakers: Libraries see critical demand for books, information en español | From the Editor

Kathy Ishizuka, Mar 23, 2024

The U.S. ranks second in the world for the most Spanish speakers, after Mexico. With shortages of bilingual teachers reported nationwide, librarians and publishers consider meeting an acute need.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Announcing a New Project: “Reasons to Love Libraries”

Kathy Ishizuka, Mar 11, 2024

“Reasons to Love Libraries” is a yearlong editorial project and campaign to engage the public in reflecting on libraries to reveal their impact on people and communities.

More Opinion

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Social Media Marketing and Engagement for Libraries

Oct 10, 2024

LJ & SLJ Public Library Youth Services Leadership Summit

Sep 26 & Sep 27, 2024

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Social Media Marketing and Engagement for Libraries

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LJ & SLJ Public Library Youth Services Leadership Summit

Sep 26 & Sep 27, 2024

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The Girl in the Cornfield: Author A.S. King Shares the Reason She Loves Libraries