The American Library Association's Youth Media Awards, announced each January, are a high point on the book community's calendar. For this month's column, TeachingBooks.net contacted and recorded conversations with the award winners, asking them to share their inspirations and influences.

Use these recordings to introduce the distinguished work of the 2012 John Newbery, Randolph Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Michael L. Printz, Robert F. Sibert, and Pura Belpré award recipients. You'll also find below some exceptional, ready-to-use instructional materials on these award-winning books and authors.  more>>>

As Andrea Davis Pinkney explains in With the Might of Angels, "Negro History Week was created by historian Carter G. Woodson to bring national attention to the achievements of black people in America." In 1976, this week in February became "Black History Month." Now, African American History "Month" generally begins in mid-January in anticipation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and often flows into March, as there is no shortage of strong black women to be remembered and celebrated during Women's History Month.

Each year brings moving new titles to fill in the gaps of traditional history texts - inspirational stories of human strength and determination, and stories filled with heart and soul - illustrated by such accomplished artists as James Ransome, Sean Qualls, Kadir Nelson, and Eric Velasquez.  more>>>

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While teens spend a lot of time thinking about love and yearning for a soul mate connection - with a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or a best friend - an equal amount of time is probably spent navigating the often painful, hopefully empowering, art of disengagement.

A number of this season's young adult novels delve into the not-so-happy-ever-after arena. Heartbreaking and bittersweet describe both the stories and the emotions they detail as characters come to terms with their feelings and determine their best course of action.  more>>>

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Encompassing an extensive network of ancient trade routes, the Silk Road spanned thousands of miles, stretching from China, through central Asia and the Middle East, and all the way to Europe. From about the fifth century BCE to the 1400s (CE), these pathways linked together East and West, providing not only the means for transporting and trading a spectacular variety of goods, but also for conveying an impressive array of technologies, ideas, cultural practices, and religious beliefs.

The works featured here delve into the historical, geographical, and cultural aspects of the Silk Road, and introduce some of its most famous travelers. Including picture books, illustrated biographies, and detailed nonfiction accounts, the titles widely span approaches and reading levels.   more>>>

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During 15-plus years of researching nonfiction for young readers I've learned that every project includes at least one pinch-me-is-this-really-happening moment. Such was the case as I researched the Memphis sanitation workers' strike of 1968 for Marching to the Mountaintop: How Poverty, Labor Fights, and Civil Rights Set the Stage for Martin Luther King, Jr's Final Hours.

Many adults and almost no young people know that Martin Luther King, Jr., died in Memphis, Tennessee, and fewer know that a potent blending of civil rights with a labor fight had drawn him to the city. King made three trips to Memphis during that spring of 1968. Each of these visits coincided with the creation of new placards for local protests. One of my pinch-me moments from 2010 was the day I viewed archived examples of these signs during one of my research trips to Memphis.

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As of this writing, 45 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands have adopted the Common Core State Standards. If you teach in any of these locations, it's likely you've recently spent some time in professional development sessions dedicated to the implementation of the new standards in language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. While there's room for debate on the whys and hows of adopting the Common Core, there's no question that schools across the country are focused on the task.

In Understanding Common Core State Standards, John Kendall, Senior Director in Research at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), offers a cogent overview of the development of the Common Core and how its adoption impacts teachers and students.  more>>>

Who will be the last book standing? School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books pits 16 of this year's very best books for young people in a thrilling head-to-head tournament for the coveted virtual gold medal. Judged by some of the biggest names in children's literature, with unpredictable twists and turns in each round, the fierce competition will have you on the edge of your seat through the very end!

Read the books, choose your favorites, cheer them on!  battleofthebooks.slj.com