One title is for young readers and the other is for middle grade, but both books share the importance of the cultural holiday that begins on December 26 and has been celebrated since 1966.

In a summary judgment on November 21 in Rhode Island v. Trump, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ruled that the Trump administration’s attempt to shut down the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Ohio federal court, alleges trademark infringement, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices.

Daniel Nayeri's novel set in World War II Iran was selected from a list of finalists that included Kyle Lukoff’s A World Worth Saving, Amber McBride’s The Leaving Room, Hannah V. Sawyerr’s Truth Is, and Ibi Zoboi’s (S)Kin.

In Dietrich’s book, Owen rooms with a prince of Hell; in Joyce’s book, the Princess of Hell plans an escape with Nate.

The Missouri law, which created a misdemeanor offense for school employees that supply “sexually explicit material” to students, is now void; Tennessee closes public libraries for review demanded by the Tennessee secretary of state.

SLJ chats with the Pura Belpre–winning artist about the creative process for this year’s December Best Books cover.

These Best Transitional Books of 2025 for beginning, emerging, and newly independent readers include relatable friendship tales, challenges overcome, and everyday slice-of-life stories that are pitch-perfect for the age group.

From sensory-filled illustrations to relentlessly funny characters, the 2025 Best Picture Books make for excellent read-alouds, heartfelt one-on-ones, and heartrending reads.