I was vilified for criticizing the Dewey Decimal system. We librarians need to stop perpetuating its systemic racism in our libraries.

This month, we feature John Lewis's follow-up to the "March" trilogy, Samira Ahmed's middle grade debut shines, Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another winning suspense novel, and two nonfiction titles discuss Charles Dickens.

It’s September, and we look to another school year, although certainly not an ordinary one. We at SLJ seek to provide the content and context to serve our readers in a ­remarkable time. I want to update you on recent efforts.

Here are some "favorite" titles culled from collections.

Librarians are paying more attention to unconscious racial bias, inclusion, and diversity issues when culling titles and considering collection development, according to School Library Journal's recent survey.

Educators are using audiobooks in new ways to teach material and help students build literacy skills. Plus: 15 classroom-ready podcasts.

Deaccessioning is a fact of librarian life. Share photos of your best/worst weeds and tag us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook—#weededbooks.

Educators have used targeted intervention and innovative tech approaches and offered social-emotional support.

One in four kids tuned in to a podcast in 2020, drawn to stories and discussions about the coronavirus, money, activism, racial justice, and other topics.

The discussions in the spring set of free, one-hour professional development programs will tackle serving striving readers, information inequity, and news literacy.

 

On the Diverse Books Survey page, users can access related content, newly updated, as well as our Diverse Books Survey report.

While in the minority, the SLJ Diverse Books Survey reveals some librarians are declining to purchase books with diverse characters to avoid a challenge.

Book clubs focused on Black authors and characters have helped readers find community during the pandemic and given writers and their work some extra attention.

From biographies of Olympians to fictional mysteries and romance, get young readers excited for the Tokyo Games competition and drama with these titles.

17 titles to keep tween mystery fans turning pages well into the summer.

Reading has the power to open eyes, minds, and hearts, and together, we can help #StopAsianHate, says Cicely Lewis.

Newly proficient readers in the longer form are always delighted to be in on the jokes. Here are 15 titles to get them started.

Twelve adventure and survival fiction titles to keep summer reading fresh and exciting.

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and these titles, which include YA and middle grade fiction, picture books, and nonfiction, are perfect to recommend to readers both this month and year-round.

Some educators abandon teaching the Bard's work, while others update and enhance Shakespeare curricula.

From a choose-your-own-path Romeo and Juliet to a Macbeth retelling that channels #MeToo, there's something here for all teen readers and fans of the Bard. 

From intimate memoirs to gripping accounts of history to fantastical tales that take teens out of this world, these graphic novels will mesmerize readers.

How to tempt those readers who have moved beyond picture books but aren't quite ready for middle grade novels? These chapter book graphic novels will do the trick. With humor and heart, these eye-catching books take on everything friendship, mystery, adventure, and even a bit of metafiction (from none other than Dav Pilkey).

Geared for teen and tween girls, here are recommended new titles in shoujo manga, with interesting twists on the standard tropes.

Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels featuring Paige Proves It from Aladdin Books and Paranorthern and the Chaos Bunny A-Hop-_Calypse from Etch.

The post Paige Proves It | This Week’s Comics appeared first on Good Comics for Kids.

Guest writer Martha Cornog offers a varied list of graphic novels with Black protagonists

The post Graphic Novels with Black Protagonists appeared first on Good Comics for Kids.

Highly recommended graphic novels for young readers, tweens, and teens to enjoy all summer long. 

The term graphic medicine was coined by Dr. Ian Williams—comics artist, physician, and editor of graphicmedicine.org—to “denote the role that comics can play in the study and delivery of healthcare.”

The post Graphic Medicine for Kids & Teens appeared first on Good Comics for Kids.

Author and teacher Torrey Maldonado asked friends and fellow authors, "What does Juneteenth mean to you?"

With COVID abating, the mood is palpably lighter. Not so for Asian Americans, who fear a return to school and work—just 18 percent of Asian eighth graders returned to in-person classrooms this spring. Schools and employers must take specific action to protect AAPIs from hate, say advocates, with alternatives to more policing.

Magoon spoke with best-selling author Ibi Zoboi about the book that’s closest to her heart, forming her identity while reckoning with history, and being a writer ahead of her time.

K.C. Boyd describes how her positive mindset in the face of adversity is rooted in ongoing work, including advocacy for school libraries at the national level.

For me, like the characters in WHERE IT ALL LANDS, music is the one constant throughout my life that has comforted me and helped me find meaning in the face of tragedy.

The post The Music that Heals Us, a guest post by Jennie Wexler appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

When my daughters entered their tween years, friendship struggles started to emerge. This reminded me of my struggles and the experiences of so many. As a social scientist, this piqued my curiosity. What is it about adolescence that intensifies social struggles, especially for girls?

The post Why Girls’ Social Struggles Intensify During Adolescence and The Inspiration Behind BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends), a guest post by Jessica Speer appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

On learning, being—and reading—in community.

Pinguicha urges readers to question history, ask who wrote the stories, and present and amplify the narratives that have been ignored, hidden, and distorted.

The post Questioning Your History Lessons, a guest post by Diana Pinguicha appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.