Andrew Clements—author of middle grade best-seller Frindle and more than 80 other titles from picture books to YA novels—has died. He was 70.

As the news spread, educators, fellow authors, and fans took to Twitter to share their memories. Librarians, parents, and teachers noted the impact he had on children’s lives—and theirs. And fellow authors spoke of his kindness and talent.

“So sad to hear of the passing of Andrew Clements, a legend in children's books,” Alan Gratz, author of Refugee and other children’s and YA titles, wrote on Twitter. “Might be the most-read kids book author most adults have never heard of. I finally got to meet him last year. So gracious and kind. My own Ban This Book was modeled on his work.”

Colby Sharp posted a video of an interview he did with Clements, writing, “Talking to Andrew and his wife gave me hope for the world.”

Clements was an English teacher and musician before becoming an author. He is best-known for Frindle, which was published in 1996 and has sold millions of copies worldwide. The first book of his YA “Things” trilogy, Things Not Seen, won the 2004 Schneider Family Book Award in the teen category.

A new Library of Congress exhibition, “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words,” which opens December 5, tells the story of Parks' life beyond her refusal to give up her seat to a white person and move to the back of the bus in Montgomery, AL, in 1955. It explores her early life and activism, the Montgomery bus boycott, the fallout from her arrest for her family and their move to Detroit, and the impact of her life.

The exhibit demonstrates that Parks was “a seasoned activist with a militant spirit forged over decades of challenging inequality and injustice.” This is the first exhibition of the Rosa Parks Collection, which includes her personal writings, reflections, photographs, records, and memorabilia—including her account of “keeping vigil” with her grandfather to protect their home from Klansmen and a manuscript in which she writes about a childhood encounter with a white boy who threatened to hit her. 

A new book, “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words,” is a companion to the exhibition. There is also a digital version of the collection, which includes parts of the exhibit and a resource guide.

Vernier Software & Technology is accepting applications for its 2020 Engineering Contest, which recognizes the innovative use of Vernier technology to introduce engineering concepts or practices to students. The competition is open to middle school, high school, and college educators, who must complete an online application and produce a video demonstrating an investigation done with students, the Vernier technology used, and the engineering concepts addressed.

Middle and high school educators must also explain how the project addresses engineering practices in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Applications are due by February 15, 2020. The winner—who will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier technology, and $1,500 toward expenses to attend the 2020 National Science Teachers’ Association (NSTA) STEM conference or the 2020 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference—will be announced in March.

SLJ ’s Scales on Censorship columnist Pat Scales has updated Teaching Banned Books: 32 Guides for Children and Teens. This second edition includes graphic novels and nonfiction. The book deals with issues such as bullying, racism, bigotry, and making tough choices.

Penguin Young Readers is acquiring Eric Carle LLC, the asset holder of the IP rights for picture-book creator Eric Carle, whose books have sold more than 145 million copies worldwide. The deal, which includes publishing rights and licensing, is expected to close on January 1. For more than 20 years, the Eric Carle studio has managed the business assets of Carle’s work, expanding the brand to include theater adaptations of Carle’s books, apps, and other retail opportunities. Penguin’s Eric Carle publishing will continue at the World of Eric Carle imprint.