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Four former finalists are on this year's list for the prestigious award. 

As educators and authors wait on expected appeals in Penguin Random House v. Gibson, school librarians are in limbo and author Laurie Halse Anderson is "cautiously opimistic."

As my community expands from Library Journal to now include School Library Journal, I am eager to understand more about what you, our SLJ readers, value and how our publications can best support your needs.

Librarians facilitate reading among their peers to get staff and students excited about books. 

SLJ stands strong with and for school librarians, Media Source Inc., CEO Robert Gogel says.

School Library Journal is now accepting applications for the 2026 School Librarian of the Year award, sponsored by Scholastic. Let us know what you are doing in your school library and join an exceptional group of honored peers.

In a precedent-setting win for the freedom to read, on August 13 Judge Carlos E. Mendoza ruled that Florida House Bill 1069, which sought to ban “pornographic” material and books describing “sexual conduct” from school and classroom libraries, was overbroad and unconstitutional.

A career retrospective at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the current political climate have kid lit creator Grace Lin considering the purpose of her future work.

Betsy Bird looks at the state of children's nonfiction. In many ways, with nuanced and interesting topics, it is the "golden age of informational books for kids," she says. But it's also a time of unprecedented book banning—and that includes many nonfiction titles.

Leigh Knapp made collection development decisions focused on improving the reading skills of the refugee population at her Milwaukee elementary school and helping the students acclimate to their new surroundings.

The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.

Missouri elementary school library media specialist Carly Bogaards helps promote education, wellness, and community with an expanding outdoor program.

Censorship, AI, and federal funding top the list of concerns for school librarians heading into the 2025-26 school year.

Library Journal's editor in chief Hallie Rich has been named editorial director of Library Journal and School Library Journal and will lead editorial strategy and content development across both publications.

From censorship news and picks in Spanish-language middle grade/YA to straight talk on book banning, our most viewed stories of the week.

Arkansas library media specialist Chelsey Smith has kids combine food truck fun with their favorite books, resulting in projects like a Captain Underpants-themed truck with "Tighty-Whitey Tacos" on the menu.

Readers clap back on censorship and more.

Amid the celebration of books and libraries was the undercurrent of a community under attack, with conversations and sessions at ALA Annual in Philadelphia centered around advocacy, democracy, and diverse books.

The nine picture books cited in Mahmoud v. Taylor are not pornography. Nor are they obscene. What is obscene is a Supreme Court decision that denies the basic humanity and equality of LGBTQIA+ people.

 AI-generated booklists are possible—and even published. So what is the value of human curation?

The former Librarian of Congress spoke with author Kwame Alexander about getting fired and offered ALA Annual attendees comfort and guidance.

Eager attendees packed a much anticipated screening at the American Library Association Annual conference in Philadelphia. With the filmmakers and titular subjects on hand, it was an emotional experience of The Librarians, which examines the national crisis of censorship and the heroic professionals on the front lines of defending intellectual freedom.

It will now be up to educators and local school districts to stand up for intellectual freedom, book access, and LGBTQIA+ rights in the face of parental opt outs and political pressure, according to PEN America staff attorney Elly Brinkley.

SLJ wants to know what's on your mind as you think about the next school year. Fill out our Google form to share your hopes, concerns, and plans for 2025-26.

What titles stand out as the greatest in literature for children and young adults? That’s the question School Library Journal has posed to readers.

Young people are speaking out and organizing to fight censorship and support issues important to them, making an impact in their schools, local communities, and at the state and national level.

In June, ALA Council will decide the fate of YALSA, voting on the recommendation that the teen division be eliminated and its work be moved under the umbrella of ALSC.

In difficult times for librarians, authors, and educators across the country, the library and publishing worlds will once again come together to learn from each other and deepen their resolve.

School librarians from the United States attended the Sharjah School Librarian Conference in the United Arab Emirates. SLJ spoke with AASL president Becky Calzada and 2016 School Librarian of the Year Todd Burleson about the event.

In a policy void, educators seek to maximize learning, turning to core skills, chiefly reading.

The National Coalition Against Censorship is launching a new Teen Advocacy Institute over the summer; a read-in is scheduled during ALA Annual to support the push for librarians in Philly schools; the lawsuit against Lucy Calkins is dismissed; and more in this edition of News Bites.

Fish, frogs, and other aquarium life at school and public libraries entertain and offer lessons in science and responsibility.

Members of Congress, authors, and librarians express their anger over Hayden's removal.

A parent complaint about a nonbinary snail led a Virginia elementary school principal to cancel a visit by author Erica S. Perl. A former trial attorney, Perl offers a lesson in smart booking contracts and standing up to book and author challenges.

Virginia librarian IdaMae Craddock is using her professional research skills to keep facts at the forefront for her students and fellow educators.

Creaky Acres is a story about a girl, a horse, and a whole new way of life. Brigid Alverson spoke to the creators about their graphic novel featuring Nora, a competitive rider, who finds her way on a delightfully weird farm, inhabited by an equally quirky crew of young equestrians.

Award-winning author illustrators Julie Flett and Sophie Blackall sat down for a chat on the occasion of Children’s Book Week 2025. Flett created this year’s poster on the theme: “An Ocean of Stories,” and Blackall did the honors in 2024, illustrating “No Rules. Just Read.”

The Illinois elementary school's advisory board planned and led the events of author Dusti Bowling's school visit and continues to focus on building community with their future projects.

A federal judge ruled that the government may not take further action toward dismantling the IMLS, including the mass layoff of employees, while the case is heard.

The U.S. Department of Education expressed its love of librarians. It was not well received. 

Book access and other restrictions on libraries and library values remain top of mind for readers. So too, practical posts toward serving library patrons, with creative ideas for staging a crime investigation to teach research skills and preserving family recipes getting the most views on SLJ.com.

Serious investigators and laid-back browsers will find something to love in this season’s series nonfiction.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a legal dispute that started when a Maryland district added books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes to its curriculum and did not allow parents to opt out of instruction. Here are SLJ's reviews of those books.

Kiese Laymon, award-winning author and MacArthur Fellow, is out with a new picture book. City Summer, Country Summer celebrates the deep bonds of friendship forged among three Black boys on a summer journey to visit their grandmothers in Mississippi.  

Readers responded to our coverage of a North Carolina bill, which could bring criminal charges against librarians over "material that is harmful to minors"—and much more. 

In an attempt to make teaching research skills less "dry and boring," this middle school librarian hit on a mysterious new lesson plan, and the strategy has been a huge success.

Birding is a great way for students and teachers to connect with nature. From citizen science projects and live feeder stations—and books galore—the resources here will help kids learn about our avian friends.

PEN America, the National Education Association, and student advocacy organization SEAT are among those who have filed amicus briefs in support of the school district in the upcoming Supreme Court case; Harry Lerner has died; applications open for Banned Books Week programming grants; and more.

Books to help budding ornithologists explore the world of birds, along with aspects of SEL (social and emotional learning), from persistence to making friends.

Schools and public libraries are still navigating the aftermath of devastating flooding and wildfires.

The American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are taking the Trump administration to court to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

From the loss of Hoopla, databases, and Wi-Fi hotspots to the closing of rural branches, librarians document the devastating effect of the end of IMLS funding.

SLJ wants to share the stories of how the loss of funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services—including Laura Bush Foundation grants —will impact your library and community.

We Need Diverse Books will celebrate the first We Need Diverse Books Day on April 3; senators call on acting director of IMLS to continue funding programs as directed by Congress; Suzanne Collins talks philosophy and Sunrise on the Reaping; Eric Carle Honors honorees announced; and more.

Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, a grassroots youth advocacy organization, called a press conference with state legislators and the president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers to respond to President Trump's executive order and changes impacting the Department of Education and public school students across the country.

Comics didn’t just survive COVID-19, they thrived. Despite the strain the pandemic placed on the industry, the audience for comics, graphic novels, and manga grew—and is still growing.

Jones, a library media specialist at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Louisville, KY, received the 2025 award, announced today by SLJ and sponsor Scholastic. Two School Librarian of the Year finalists were also selected: Tatanisha Love of Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering in Baltimore, MD; and Jennifer Mathews of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind in Colorado Springs, CO.

To inspire students, Tim Jones proves a little fun goes a long way. For his work transforming the school library into a hub of learning and inspiring students and staff with compassion and humor, Jones has been named the 2025 School Librarian of the Year.

What's the favorite part of her job? Turning reluctant readers into bookworms, says Tatanisha Love, library media specialist at Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering in Baltimore.

At the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, Jennifer Mathews built a library from scratch and learned American Sign Language and braille to better serve her preschool through 12th grade students. 

The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would be a devastating blow to public and school library services across the country. ALA and EveryLibrary call on Congress and the American people to fight for the funding.

The platform no longer serves our mission or reflects our values. 

The Department of Education lost nearly 2,000 workers in the latest—and largest—move toward the administration's goal of eliminating the federal agency that collects data on student performance, ensures funding for low-income schools, and protects students' civil rights.

Many of the more than 80 executive orders issued by President Trump since Inauguration Day affect K-12 education, schools, and students as the Department of Education faces cuts from Elon Musk's DOGE group and a declaration for the department's "final mission" from new secretary of education Linda McMahon.

Absenteeism is at an all-time high, challenging school districts across the country. How to get students back? The school library could play a role, providing a safe space and sparking engagement.

With expertise, empathy, and innovation, librarians have supported students and patrons through COVID-19.

Libraries use data about summer programs to make them better every year, and their methods have been improving.

SLJ asked librarians, authors, and illustrators to reflect on their pandemic experience: the impact on them, their students, and readers; the innovations that stuck; the memories that linger; and the lessons we learned.

As the American education system continues to work toward recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts say it’s vital to properly frame what happened and understand the multifaceted reasons behind the continued struggles.

Author Kelly Yang shares her unique COVID-19 experience, which reminded her of the power of stories, which "give us hope and light when our tank is empty."

She was a bit shaky at first but persevered through nerves and emotion to tell her story. My mother's testimony bore witness to injustice. Stories matter. 

Bank Street College of Education has revealed the 2025 Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award honorees, along with the Best Board Books of the Year.

Tabletop role-playing games can be popular programming for all ages in school and public libraries.

This roundup features an assortment of tabletop role-playing games that are easy to learn, easy to play, and have something for everyone.

Thanks to a remarkable effort by a public library, 20 New York teens had an unforgettable trip visiting monuments and museums and learning and connecting with history. 

School Library Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) reprise their popular Tech Trends webcast series this spring. Join us March 17 for "Everything Al in Education." On April 22, we'll present "Emerging Technologies in K–12, from AR/VR to the Metaverse." 

When educator Benjamin Ludwig missed one day of school, a group of fifth graders reorganized the books—not by genre, but with ROYGBIV.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. and School Library Journal have revealed the winning titles in the 2025 Children & Youth Literary Awards, which celebrate the diversity of the Black experience.

Sometimes, one good book can supercharge your professional development. That was the experience of these library leaders.

Connecting the library to pop culture with shareable social media images brings the library to a broader audience and puts it in the forefront of people's minds, says Richmond Public Library's Jennifer Deuell. 

Topics that drew reader attention in an eventful first week of February 2025. 

The New York City–based initiative is holding strong, even as book bans in schools surge nationwide and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation expands.

The News Literacy Project offers resources and advice to educators teaching news literacy at a time when the rhetoric around news and contentious issues has been ratcheted up to a new level.

There were tears and standing ovations as librarians, including Martha Hickson and Amanda Jones, watched their stories of fighting against censorship chronicled in the new film.

In the latest lawsuit battling censorship, Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and Sourcebooks have filed a lawsuit challenging an Idaho law that restricts books in both public and school libraries. 

Public libraries work with groups from health departments to community-based organizations and provide access to everything from cooking classes to safe walking routes.

The Library of Congress ambassadorship will celebrate the power of picture books.

There are varied paths to the profession. Find out how these librarians found their way to the library.

Spotlighting the history of Jim Crow and civil rights struggles outside the South, along with recent books and teaching resources on the topic.

Given the current backlash, with anti-DEI legislation and sentiment festering, we risk losing ground on fairness and equality when we need it most. 

Progress toward a more racially diverse publishing workforce has been slow. Publishing leaders face political and economic changes that may make further progress harder.

The American Library Association issued a strong statement in response to the actions of the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, saying, in part: "In their cruel and headlong effort to terminate protections from discrimination for LGBTQIA+ students and students of color, the Department of Education advances the demonstrably false claim that book bans are not real. Book bans are real."

Some kids love narrative nonfiction; others, expository literature. Learn more about these two styles of books and browse a list of recent outstanding examples. 

With the loss of protected area status for sensitive locations, immigration enforcement officers can now take action in schools, churches, and other sites. 

Across the country, educators, parents, and others keep Black history alive amid restrictions on how race is taught in schools.

Everyone wins when public libraries collaborate with these preschool programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and implemented through local agencies.

Veronica Bane, YA author and high school English teacher, is calling on the publishing and kid lit community to help those impacted by the fires.

It's never a bad time to pull out a good book for a little inspiration.

As the wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles County, these organizations are collecting donations to help those impacted by the disaster.

An author proposes a simple standard for representing climate reality in books for children and teens.