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It’s the perennial question of teachers, librarians, and parents alike: How do you get kids to read more over their summer break? Research has shown that kids’ favorite books are the books that they choose themselves. Understanding this, publishers focus on fun books for summer reading.

With the 2024 Nation’s Report Card showing further declines in reading, more support for struggling readers and their educators has never been more important. Let’s take a closer look at these new series for struggling readers.

The night before Christmas should have been a time of celebration and joy for Matt Davis, the Library Media Specialist at Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri. Instead, it turned into a nightmare when a water line burst in the school library he had managed for the past three years. The call he received that night was devastating, as it meant the loss of thousands of books and significant damage to the library space.

Women’s History Month reminds us that, although they are sometimes overlooked in history classes, women are very much a part of American history. They’ve been key players both out front and behind the scenes. During our recent work creating the new database, Women’s History in the United States, we discovered many inspirational stories of such women from various time periods and walks of life.

Setting up new elementary school libraries is no small feat, but with the right support, it can be a transformative experience for students and educators alike. This was the case for Fitchburg Public Schools in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where the establishment of first-ever libraries at its elementary schools marked a significant milestone.

Graphic novels, and manga in particular, have exploded in popularity with students, a recent SLJ survey revealed. As teens and younger readers eagerly devour graphic novels, publishers are responding with more books in graphic format to satisfy readers of all genres.

When Rachel Weatherford joined Faldyn Elementary School in Katy, Texas, as its first-ever Library Media Specialist, she knew she was embarking on a significant journey. Building a library from scratch is no small feat, but Rachel embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. She understood that to create a thriving library, she needed a vendor that would be a true partner, supporting her every step of the way.

Opening a new school is a monumental task, and setting up a new library is no different. For Comal Independent School District (ISD) in New Braunfels, Texas, the challenge was met with enthusiasm and innovation. With the opening of Bulverde Middle School in August 2024, the district embraced genrefication from the outset, transforming the library into a vibrant, student-friendly space.

As librarians prepare to celebrate Black History Month this February, the events of the last few years underscore the significance of this occasion. Honoring the achievements of Black Americans bolsters the self-esteem of Black youth and can empower them to excel in school. Here are some notable books for teaching and celebrating Black culture and history.