Age Level

These recent, incredible titles cover under-explored events, figures, regions, and even creative literary approaches that warrant a spotlight in the WWII literary canon.

The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed and illustrated by Hatem Aly is the winner of the Irma S. Black Award. Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Jason Chin earned the Cook Prize.

From conservation and recycling to a simple appreciation of nature, these books provide a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston and Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson are this year's winners in the younger readers and teen categories, respectively.

The new law in New Jersey aims to limit book removals and protect librarians from criminal prosecution; in Illinois, some school districts are choosing to lose state grants instead of complying with its Freedom to Read law; additional titles removed in Oregon and Tennessee; and more in censorship news.

These three chapter books feature lovable, quirky animal sleuths solving wacky mysteries and getting into plenty of high jinks along the way.

During the pandemic, many families relied on Mo Willems’s playful, calm, and supportive “Lunch Doodle” videos, sponsored by the ­Kennedy Center, on YouTube. The Mo Willems Workshop channel has expanded its content. Here's SLJ's review.

These librarians convey the rules with a light touch.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, occurs this year on October 31 through November 1. Share these titles about the holiday with young readers.