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School librarian Amanda Jones won the next step in her defamation suit, but lost an unrelated censorship battle when her local library voted to move This One Summer to the adult section after a meeting where she spoke out against the move. Plus, more in censorship news.

Kansas elementary school librarian Amanda McCoy teaches a research unit using Olympic sports.

This month's roundup includes audiobook adaptations of Katherine Rundell's The Poisoned King and Sophie Blackall's Hello Lighthouse.

From sports fiction to dark academia, these novels written for striving readers will appeal to teens with a variety of interests.

This month’s round-up features some big adventures, open-world racing, and a couple of sequels that are perfect for a night alone or with a friend.

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes and Champion by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld, and Ed Laroche are this year's winners.

With the documentary airing on PBS on Monday, February 9, director and producer Kim Snyder spoke with SLJ about the documentary, the audience response, and her hope it makes a bigger impact on the anti-censorship movement.

These eight picture books, including Jonah Winter's The Burning of the Books and Gideon Sterer's The Dream, prove the power of the format, with or without words.

Europa by James Ponti (S. & S./Aladdin) leads holds this week. Barnes and Noble Reads recommends the best audiobooks of February 2026, including two children’s titles. People exclusively reveals the cover of Jasmine Guillroy’s debut YA novel It’s Only Dancing (Scholastic).

Here are recent and upcoming titles that incorporate a wide range of sports and experiences, including baseball, football, soccer, and even powerlifting.

In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Shannon J. Spann discusses A Stage Set for Villains in this latest installment.

Running from mid-February to late-March, the religious holidays are celebrated by Muslim people all over the world. From board books to a graphic novel, there’s something here for every young reader.

Across the country, school and public librarians are creating their own summer reading programs that not only combat the academic slide and keep kids reading but promote book choice and personal connection.

Hypergifted by Gordon Korman leads holds this week. Also in demand are new titles by Lauren Tarshis, Katherine Quinn, Petra Lord, and Shannon J. Spann. Amazon releases its editors’ picks for February. ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table announces its inaugural awards winners. The Hans Christian Andersen Award shortlist and the Audie Awards finalists are revealed. People recommends children’s books that celebrate Black History. Plus, bestsellers and interviews with Jeff Kinney, Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, and Melanie Florence and Matt James.

As we closed out 2025, many books rose to the top, including lots of manga and new offerings from middle grade favorites Gordon Korman and Sara Pennypacker.

Our 2025 Best Books list celebrates the many pages and words that make up the superb works published for children this year. Taking another look at this year’s selections, the editors have highlighted some of the words that ring rung true and have reverberated in hearts and minds.

This dedicated page features everything about the awards, including all of SLJ's reporting of the 2026 Youth Media Awards ceremony and recognized titles and creators; a complete list of winners and honor books; plus links to book reviews, author interviews, blog posts, and related coverage.

Kimmel creates a brand-new tale that feels ancient and wise; Kurpiel finds so much more in these mighty giants.

This month’s board book roundup is bursting with variety. From globe-trotting adventures to nature facts, silly animals, dancing feet, and everything in between, there’s something for every child.

At the 2026 Youth Media Awards, author Candace Fleming became the first person to receive the Children’s Literature Legacy Award and the Margaret A. Edwards Award in the same year. In addition, her book Death in the Jungle won the Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and Honors recipients.

The finalists of the YALSA's Excellence in Nonfiction Award were announced in December 2025. Here are SLJ's reviews of the winner and finalists.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Geisel, Odyssey, Alex, and Batchelder Awards.

Awarded biennially, the awards honor the best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America. For this year, books needed to have been published between October 1, 2023, and September 31, 2025.

Author Ashley Hope Pérez teaches the 1960s movement to help her Ohio State University students understand the impact of the current book bans and learn how to take action against censorship now.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Coretta Scott King Medal and Honor winners.

Pura Belpré Awards honor outstanding books celebrating the Latine cultural experience. SLJ rounds up reviews of the 2026 winners and honors.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Schneider Family Book Award and Honor winners.

Bestowed annually, the William C. Morris Award honors a young adult title written by a first-time author writing for teens. Here, the reviews of the 2026 William C. Morris Award and finalists.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the winner and honor books of the 2026 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award, administered by ALSC.

Here are the winners of the 2026 ALA Youth Media Awards, announced Monday, January 26 in Chicago.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Newbery Medal and Honor winners.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Caldecott Medal and Honors winners.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Michael L. Printz Award and Honors winners.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Stonewall Book Award and Honors winners.

The Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature honor and recognize individual works by Asian/Pacific American authors that highlight Asian/Pacific American cultures and experiences. Here are SLJ's reviews of the 2026 Award and Honor winners.

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson wins the Newbery; Fireworks, illustrated by Cátia Chien, earns the Caldecott; and Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, an anthology edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, was named the Printz Award winner at the 2026 Youth Media Awards.

As she dealt with grief herself, Watson wrote All the Blues in the Sky to give readers permission to feel all of the emotions related with loss and help them cope with it.

Halfway through the process, the heart of Matthew Burgess's book revealed itself to Cátia Chien, who then created a visual tribute to the freedom of childhood.

The anthology, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, includes established and new Indigenous authors in a title Smith says would not have been possible less than 10 years ago.

The Youth Media Award Winners are announced. Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer leads holds this week. Wonder by R.J. Palacio tops the NYT Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover Bestsellers list after 526 weeks on the list; new to the list are The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller at No. 6 and Basket Ball by Kadir Nelson at No. 10. The United States Board on Books for Young People releases its 2026 Outstanding International Book List.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.