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We Need Diverse Book aims to fight book banning and better literacy with a new initiative; Library of Congressi s accepting applications for Literacy Awards; NCTE to host African American Read-in with Mychal Threets; and more.

These illustrated works, including a board book, early reader, and two picture books, are heartwarming picks that are sure to be hits beyond Valentine’s Day.

Lunar New Year is February 17. Here are some titles to share with young readers, including a new chapter book from Grace Lin.

Glitter Everywhere! by Chris Barton mentions LGBTQIA+ people on one page, which the district said violated the state’s anti-DEI law; Iowa book ban bill back in federal courts; and more.

We’re on the precipice of great change—the technology is here, and people are using it—so we need to confront it head-on.

Carolina Ixta's sophomore novel, Few Blue Skies, publishes in February 2026. Here, the author reflects on the idea for this ambitious novel, blurring the lines between fiction and nonfiction, and comparing the work to her award-winning debut.

As ICE raids continue in the Twin Cities, school librarians are stepping up for students, staff, and their communities.

A growing number of young people are using artificial intelligence chatbots as companions or therapists.

Share these selections from Hena Khan, Saadia Faruqi, Huda Fahmy, and more in January and all year long.
 

A creepy YA focusing on Edgar Allan Poe's descendant, a nonfiction title honoring Black basketball players, and board book and audiobook offerings appear on the first starred list of 2026.

Contrary to popular belief, SLJ reviews editors read non-children’s books. Every now and then, we’ll dip into some (gasp) adult books, though some of us can’t step out of the kid lit world for long. Here are our favorite books we read this year—and why.

The 2025 Best Books list celebrates the many illustrations and design that make up the superb works published for children this year. Taking another look at this year’s selections, here are the SLJ book reviews editors' favorite book covers from the 2025 Best Books list. 

YA author Erik J. Brown speaks with SLJ about writing across genres, the value of found family, and the safety in thrillers.

These informational works for kids of all ages shine a light on the many contributions Black icons, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Serena Williams, and Malcolm X, and more, have made on American culture.

Backed by $400,000 in funding from Google.org, Genesee Valley BOCES, a New York state organization supporting 22 school districts through shared services and instructional leadership, today called for “a fundamental reset in how schools respond to artificial intelligence (AI)."

School librarian Tom Bober created a unit of picture book read-alouds and primary sources for the country’s 250th birthday.

The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller leads holds this week. The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, illustrated by Cynthia Yuan Cheng, enters the NYT Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover Best Seller list at No. 1. Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine announces Beth Is Dead as the inaugural pick for its new Sunnie Reads Book Club, which is run “by and for Gen-Z readers.”

In a time of deep distrust and widespread propaganda, news and media literacy skills are more vital than ever.

Since our July 2025 Stars So Far ­issue, SLJ has starred over 300 additional titles, reviewed in print and online from June through ­December. From board books and ­holiday titles to professional reading and manga, this list highlights must-have ­selections for every collection need.

Blessings are all around in these gentle picture books that exalt sharing and gratitude in a manner accessible to children.

With the latest offerings from Kate DiCamillo, Atinuke, and Cynthia Rylant, humor abounds in these transitional books.

This list features new outings from Katherine Applegate, Jeanne Birdsall, Ann Brashares, Rebecca Stead, and Jason Reynolds and Tiffany D. Jackson’s middle grade debut. 

These stellar works range from high-octane thrillers and charming rom-coms to stirring historical novels and sweeping romantasies.

From a queer retelling of Anne Green Gables to the latest Dogman, these graphic novels belong in every collection.

STEM titles cover lunar phases, turtles, and carbon atoms. Picture book biographies celebrate artists, such as Matisse and Yo-Yo Ma, and current changemakers, such as Ketanji Brown Jackson and Lionel Messi.

The latest history books from Ann Bausum, Gail Jarrow, and Kate Messner will astonish. Empowering offerings about incredible women will inspire. And high-interest cookbooks will entice young foodies.

Margarita Engle profiles Latine heroes, and Traci N. Todd compiles selections from Black poets.

The most recently updated Britannica encyclopedia and the ultimate book about whales will keep kids intrigued for days.

Whether brushing up on fantasy or learning how to inspire families to make a difference in their communities, librarians can update their toolkits with these new books.

Whether looking for a starter list of popular anime or wanting to stock up on stellar audiobooks, these works will keep kids and teens engaged in the new year.

From a first-words title on the hardware store to Mo Willems’s counting book featuring The Pigeon, these sturdy volumes will engage little ones.

This roundup includes YA, poetry, nonfiction, and picture books about first love, monkeys, and influential Latine people who made an impact on history.

Fill holiday collections with fun new works for Halloween, Christmas, and Rosh Hashanah.

Budgets are tight everywhere, and outside funding is vital to school and public libraries’ ability to meet the needs of students and patrons.

StoryKind aims to connect with readers, spark an interest in reading and writing, and help wean kids off a steady diet of short-form video.

Sweet Valley Twins: Three’s a Crowd by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre and adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, leads holds this week. “Teen Librarian Toolbox” features their most anticipated YA books of 2026, two of which come out this week: Beth Is Dead, a thrilling reimagining of Little Women, and 16 Forever, about a teen who repeats his 16th year while the rest of the world moves on. Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang announce their new podcast, StoryKind.

The New Hampshire bill to ease the process of removing books will not pass; North Carolina public library ousts board over Call Me Max; 2021 School Librarian of the Year Amanda Jones writes about the impact of SCOTUS not taking up Little v. Llano County.

These two adventurous novels center Black youngsters traveling across space and time to protect their loved ones, save planets, and achieve their dreams.

The former librarian shares how her first job at her former high school changed the trajectory of her writing career.

John Green’s Looking for Alaska is the No. 1 banned book in schools over the last four years.

Comic adaptations of well-known children’s books were all the rage in 2025. Here’s a roundup of our favorites, from Junie B. Jones to A Wizard of Earthsea.

We review Jason Reynolds' audio-exclusive Soundtrack, a new title from Melissa de la Cruz, and fantastic holiday works for Eid and Ramadan.

Theresa Bruce created a new school library from scratch—and learned some things along the way that can help any librarian wanting to improve their space, collection, and programming.

Forty Title I schools will receive grants to purchase Mathical Book Prize titles.

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Leila Green Little et al. v. Llano County, the lawsuit challenging the Texas county library’s removal of 17 books featuring content on sexuality, gender, and racism.

The Young Adult Library Services Association announced the finalists for the Morris Award for a YA title by a previously unpublished author and the Excellence in Nonfiction Award for YA nonfiction books for ages 12 to 18.

Calling the documentary an Oscar contender, Deadline reported that The Librarians will headline the PBS' Independent Lens series.

Lee & Low publisher and co-owner Jason Low says publishers must continue the commitment to diverse titles while also contributing to the larger fight for the freedom to read.

A mix of board books, picture books, one graphic novel, and one middle grade novel make up this roundup of Christmas-focused titles for young readers.

In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Jessica Walker discusses The Secret Astronomers in this latest installment.

A former middle school dean of students has sued a Colorado district, its superintendent, and human resources director; Texas will have state mandated K–12 reading list; New Hampshire high school pulls The Perks of Being a Wallflower; and more.

A fantasy series opener by Chanel Miller and a picture book from the newest Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets are featured in November's web stars.

What I learned at my first SLJ Summit.

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault by Megan Clendenan and A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila are the Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck award winners, respectively.

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.

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

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 was illegal and unconstitutional.

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 has selected 191 titles for our 2025 Best Books of the year! Take a look at our fabulous December issue cover, dedicated to this year's list.

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.

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.

The Best Middle Grade titles of 2025 feature action-packed fantasies, resonant realistic fiction, and heart-pounding horror stories for tweens.

The 2025 YA Best Books list has a choice for every teen—long-anticipated companion novels, adorable rom-coms, and genre-bending romantasy.

Vibrant anthologies, powerful celebrations of groundbreaking figures, and volumes filled with concrete poems and traditional rhymes make their appearance on our Best Poetry list.

From poo and tentacles to contemplative picture book biographies, this year’s picks for the Best Nonfiction for Elementary readers are filled with facts, information, and wonder.

This year’s Best Nonfiction for Middle and High School students features true crime, an inclusive puberty book, sports titles, and lots of STEM.

Every one of our picks on the Best 2025 Graphic Novel list, ranging from early readers to adaptations of popular kid lit prose, has illustrations to be pored over and a narrative to be enjoyed.

 The 2025 Best Manga roundup features haunting sci-fi, slow-burn romance, and charming friendship tales for middle grade and YA readers.

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

Highlights from the SLJ Summit panel discussions include stories from Caldecott and National Book Award winner Dan Santat, as well as tips for creating a culture of reading and collaborating with public libraries.

An audiobook of Tuck Everlasting is narrated by Alexis Bledel for its 50th anniversary; Stacy McAnulty goes to Venus in the latest "Our Universe" book. We herald these and more titles in our November stars list. 

EBSCO’s Literary Reference Ultimate is a robust, all-in-one digital resource tailored for students, teachers, and librarians exploring literature across cultures, time periods, and genres.

Brag tags and a parent book club created better, more engaged readers at South Park Elementary School in Deerfield, IL.

The November 4 elections across the country sent a resounding message that voters value their libraries.

These three titles focus on intriguing, shocking, under-explored disappearances throughout history.

These series will appeal to readers who love thrills and chills, as well as those who like a tamer read.

The author of the YA novel Not Today, Satan shares how a library story time with a favorite childhood author led to a book about the devil's daughter.

The Newbery-winning author discussed the ways poetry can engage readers in a closing keynote conversation at the 2025 SLJ Summit; 2025 School Librarian of the Year Tim Jones opened the weekend conference with a reminder to celebrate every win.

The Frankfurt Book Fair provides an opportunity for librarians to get a sense of the international children’s literature landscape. 

Whether they are returning home or going somewhere new for the holiday break, the promise of a magical Christmas romance awaits these teens.

Follett Content and Mackin are among the companies stepping up to try to fill the public library field’s substantial distribution gaps following Baker & Taylor’s bankruptcy.

Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.

Joanna How and Caroline Kusin Prichard had arrived to speak about their book The Day the Books Disappeared when they were asked to alter their presentation; Maryland state school board overrules Harford County’s decision to remove Flamer; Utah bans 19th book from all schools; and more.

Purchase these web-exclusive titles, including a celebration of libraries, gorgeous picture books, and stirring YA novels. 

The Page (AZ) Public Library prioritizes the diverse needs of its community—addressing hunger, digital equity, and social-emotional learning for students—while actively including and recognizing its Indigenous community members.

E. Lockhart talks with SLJ about her favorite character in the We Were Liars universe, the gift of writing for young adults, and coming up with shocking plot twists.

Graphic novels by and about Indigenous people are a growing and essential category. Share these during Native American Heritage Month and all year long.

Ryan Thames, one of the plaintiffs in Amanda Jones’s defamation suit in Louisiana, posted an apology admitting that his previous statements about Jones “were not true”; an annotated Gender Queer to be published in 2026; and more.

This spring, the Kansas State University Libraries, in Manhattan, KS, will launch a Mobile Innovation Lab that will deliver hands-on, STEM-focused learning experiences to middle and high school students across the state.

From Wonder to The Hunger Games, readers pick the most influential books of the last 25 years.

Librarians’ news literacy lessons are vital to teaching students to identify AI and misinformation on social media.

The YA author shares how laughter through tears is a survival tactic employed by her protagonists—and Indigenous people—to get through difficult times.

Former ALA president Cindy Hohl and Printz-winning author Angeline Boulley discuss Sisters in the Wind, the foster system, and self-care.

These two titles explore the drama, the excitement, and the endless moving parts involved in the world of theater.

Derrick Barnes has a picture book and a middle grade in this roundup. Plus, nonfiction picks range from Gail Jarrow’s latest to a primer on deadly snakes.

Dedicated librarians and library supporters can continue critical advocacy work to shape the legislative and policy environment in ways that complement, rather than counteract, our professional values. 

The Arkansas district instructed staff on how to block student access to 50 titles; the Alabama Public Library board wants to ban books that “positively” depict trans lives; Texas district reopens school libraries; and more.