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Texas school librarian Minda Anderson created a lesson for AP English students to analyze rhetoric and learn about banned books and censorship.

These adult titles with teen appeal feature a range of genres and topics, from magical adventures and mysteries to nonfiction explorations of everything Taylor Swift and John Green’s adult nonfiction debut.

A district court judge said removing the picture book about two male penguins raising a penguin chick did not violate the authors’ or students’ First Amendment rights; the South Carolina Association of School Librarians filed suit against the state superintendent; and more in censorship news this Banned Books Week.

The five titles honored by the National Book Foundation include three novels in verse.

Celebrate Diwali, Mid-Autumn Festival, and a wedding with these fun fall titles!

Iris Mogul talks with Banned Books Week Honorary Chair George Takei, as well as other youth advocates as part of Banned Books Week 2025 events.

The all-volunteer initiative is documenting exhibits at the more than 20 Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Zoo in response to the Trump administration's announcement that museums' contents would be subject to review and revision to align with the president's directive.

Designed as a personal data assistant for K–12 librarians, Destiny AI aims to help automate routine tasks, streamline data organization, retrieve quick insights into a library’s collection, reduce workloads, and boost productivity.

Whether it's the latest book in a favorite series or the next great read, librarians will find plenty of options to keep their most voracious patrons satisfied.

Bright illustrations, silly situations, and a sense of continuity and rigor in skill-building are the hallmarks of this season's decodable series.

These picture book series offer a sweet escape into education or entertainment.

The gentle stories in this collection of early readers feature warm, inviting illustrations and focus on navigating family and friendships.

These cheerful chapter books span a wide range of reading interests and genres and are a bastion of diverse stories and characters.

These hi-lo titles have all the adventure, intrigue, romance, and drama that will engage striving readers.

Wild adventures, goofy characters, and candy-colored illustrations dominate this collection of graphic novels.

The books in these YA series serve up a generous dose of big feelings.

Hidden identities, action and survival, and, of course, true love can be found in these new and ongoing manga series.

Having a say in legislation is a critical piece of advocacy right now. Hear from experts on how to help grassroots organizations, testify before boards and legislators, and make an impact.

A chill is in the air, and there is no better time to be immersed in a juicy middle grade series.

Take the next four (or more!) minutes to read an exclusive interview with Amber McBride about The Leaving Room, her latest novel in verse for young adults.

PEN America released data for the 2024–25 school year, with more than 6,800 instances of book bans in districts across the country.

The new episodes will air every Saturday in October on KidZuko on YouTube and the Reading Rainbow website.

The Discovery Fair will feature STEAM titles and science kits and will be available starting in January

Join the Newbery-winning author and peers from around the country for a weekend of professional development and expanding your professional learning community.

The 2021 School Librarian of the Year was recognized for her library advocacy and fight against censorship and book bans.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with these colorful, educational, and fun titles for young readers.

From a personal immigration story to the latest picture book from Sonia Sotomayor, these works for young people highlight the accomplishments and history of Latine people.

Erica Sikma explains what led her back to school for her MLIS degree.

Schools can apply for the annual grants aimed at getting math-related titles to students.

New Delaware laws protect against book bans; national parks are removing titles from gift stores; Texas district offers tool for parents to monitor student reading; and more.

These recent mysteries feature buried truths and hidden secrets just waiting to be shared and exposed. Young patrons can listen at their own risk. . . and beware the body counts!

The Freedom to Read Project has released a free advocacy guide and workbook; ALA sets date for Youth Media Awards; educators and public librarians can submit proposals for a visit from National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett; and the National Women's History Museum opens registration for virtual field trips.

The House of Hearts author shares with SLJ her love for the supernatural and discusses how teens can apply the otherworldly enchantment of dark academia to their own lives.

Some students in North Carolina will no longer have access to their public library through their school ID; Florida appeals Penguin Random House v. Gibson decision; book ban debates in Nevada and Iowa; and more.

In time for Latinx Heritage Month and the publication of Fall of the Fireflies, García McCall presents a guide to the supernatural gods, monsters, and fiends from the Aztec Pantheon that appear in her new series.

Dustin Hensley's project-based learning program has an impact beyond the library walls.

Here’s a look at manga that feature short chapters, perfect for a quick, fun read—whether to dip in for just a few minutes or to get hooked and binge.

Book bans continue at school libraries, and at an Arizona county public library system, children's books on puberty and sex ed were moved to the adult nonfiction section.

These resources and ideas from ALA, Unite Against Book Bans, the National Coalition Against Censorship, and others will help plan for Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11.

In this exclusive interview, Chloe Gong talks with SLJ about her writing process and the themes in her new dystopian novel Coldwire, publishing in November.

The film—which documents librarians across the country fighting back against censorship attempts and personal and professional attacks—will hit U.S. theaters in October.

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

Check out these encyclopedias about useless facts, a compendium of curious contraptions, and a biography on Sally Ride. These ready reference titles will keep every fact nerd occupied and satisfied.

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.

Chuseok is a Korean harvest festival on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on October 6. Share these two books with little ones to teach them about Chuseok and celebrate the holiday.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, and over the last half-decade, YA adaptations have brought even more excitement to her work.

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

Des Moines (IA) Public Schools students can use their student IDs as library cards and avoid school library book restrictions; North Carolina district changes book policy to meet new state law and changes to Title IX; Maryland community protests removal of Flamer from district; and more.

This month's picks include a YA novel and an audiobook from Tiffany D. Jackson, a biography about Sally Ride, and more.

This digital resource for young researchers presents articles on athletes, sports history, and coverage of categories not always classified with mainstream sports, such as mixed martial arts, professional wrestling, and skateboarding.

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.

Whether it’s ballet or the tinikling, dancing is fun for humans and animals alike!

From Boffone and Herrera's overview of queer identity in YA literature to Struckmeyer's title on young adult library programming, these books will inspire librarians, both new and experienced, to take a fresh look at their programs and collections.

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.

This roundup of active nonfiction features forays into nature, hands-on science experiments, and SEL guidebooks.

Young chefs and bakers will gobble up these cookbooks that run the gamut from spooky sweets and fake cakes to activism-inspired family recipes!

School Library Journal and NCTE continue to champion works that have long been taught in classrooms, including YA classics like Caroline B. Cooney's The Face on the Milk Carton and Robert Cormier's We All Fall Down.

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.

In a huge legal win for freedom to read and First Amendment advocates, a U.S. district judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. In other censorship news, a Michigan school librarian is suing a parent for an alleged smear campaign against her that led to harassment and death threats.

Here’s a look at seven graphic novels for a range of ages, in which monster tales are reimagined as stories of empathy, identity, and the unknown.

Kelley Armstrong talks with SLJ about danger, mystery, and romance in her upcoming book A Deadly Inheritance. Following the Q&A is an exclusive first look at the cover.

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.

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.

This fantasy-themed TTRPG roundup features games perfect for library programming, where players can step into the boots, paws, or claws of adorable animals and outlandish creatures to work together and save the day.

For more than 60% of children in the U.S., walking into a school or library represents their first encounter with books. If we make that experience as welcoming as possible, we're giving them fuel for success.

Florida education commissioner sends letter to schools warning them against using Beanstack; PEN America files new brief in Iowa book ban case; the National Park Service may remove some history books from stores; and more in Censorship News.

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

Stephenie Meyer’s phenom turns 20 years old this year. For its milestone birthday, we explore Twilight's impact. 

These four titles discuss women's equality in America, as well as women's suffrage worldwide. Hand them to young readers for Women's Equality Day and throughout the year.

In a deeply personal acceptance speech at ALA Annual in Philadelphia in June, the YA author discussed her life influences, racism in publishing, and professional uncertainty.

This month brings starred titles in gaming books, professional reading, and more.

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

That rocks are born, not made, will have children sitting up with delight for these two fact-filled but funny origin stories.

In these five titles for new readers, pairs of friends share in adventures and have twice the fun.

QuizHub is a digital quiz platform that provides rapid reinforcement of core subjects for elementary students with a variety of quick, matching-style quizzes.

From nursery rhymes that soothe to spooky verses that thrill, these titles share a variety of poems for young readers to experience.

Educational materials deemed "racially or sexually divisive" would be removed from public schools in 17 southern and midwestern states, plus the latest from Florida, the full list of titles removed at Department of Defense schools, and more.

Gene Luen Yang and his graphic novel Lunar New Year Love Story won multiple awards at the annual ceremony during San Diego Comic-Con.

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.

The first Sunday in August is designated as National Sisters Day, a time to celebrate the bond between and with sisters. These selections offer something for children of all ages and might just inspire a deeper appreciation for the sisters in their own lives.

From silly snouts to social-emotional smarts, this season’s board books are big on charm, heart, and purpose. Along with ABCs and animal antics, these titles foster empathy, celebrate identity, and reflect a wide range of families, cultures, and abilities.

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

Why should Christmas in July get all the summer holiday glory? This list of Halloween board books and picture books is perfect for those who want to get into the spooky spirit despite the summer heat.

The author/illustrator's work shines a light on Latinx icons who haven't always appeared in our history books. Here we celebrate Menéndez's illustrations in the Spanish and English editions of the excellent poetry collection Hopeful Heroes by Margarita Engle.

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.

This month, a poetry collection by Margarita Engle, a new middle grade novel from Dan Gemeinhart, and a nonfiction title about the Erie Canal stand out, along with other great books.

With every book, Jashar Awan comes a little closer to establishing himself as the chronicler extraordinaire of what most people see as childhood's mundane moments, and it's magic.

Bestselling author Rory Power’s new YA novel Kill Creatures is a tour de force of teenage friendship, crushes, and revenge. Here, she discusses it with SLJ. 

Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spanish-original YA about an undocumented teen.

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.

This year, we awarded dozens of books a prestigious star—and among this distinguished group, several clear commonalities shine bright. From fresh approaches on topics like grief to specific recurrences, such as characters taking on another person’s identity, here are the key trends among 2025's starred books.

The July issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December. SLJ reviews editors stand back to take a look at a beautiful, blossoming list of notable books.

This funding can help with everything from collection development and programming to disaster recovery and more.

Lavonnia Moore lost her job after including the Kyle Lukoff book in a summer reading display at the request of a young patron; new law gives school boards in Texas authority over collection development; Ohio governor vetoed bill that would have restricted public library access to titles "related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."

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