School Library Journal
@slj.com
School Library Journal is the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens. A source of quality, award-winning journalism and reviews for 70 years, SLJ publishes 5,000+ reviews annually.
Strengthen your skills this fall. 🍂 Now through September 30, use code FALL25 to get $25 off on-demand courses. Enroll your team for even bigger discounts, and equip everyone with the tools to succeed: course.libraryjournal.com/c...
September 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Strengthen your skills this fall. 🍂 Now through September 30, use code FALL25 to get $25 off on-demand courses. Enroll your team for even bigger discounts, and equip everyone with the tools to succeed: course.libraryjournal.com/c...
From the archives
SLJ Starred Review: Blacklisted!: Hollywood, the Cold War, and the First Amendment by Larry Dane Brimner
www.slj.com/review/black...
SLJ Starred Review: Blacklisted!: Hollywood, the Cold War, and the First Amendment by Larry Dane Brimner
www.slj.com/review/black...
September 18, 2025 at 1:41 PM
From the archives
SLJ Starred Review: Blacklisted!: Hollywood, the Cold War, and the First Amendment by Larry Dane Brimner
www.slj.com/review/black...
SLJ Starred Review: Blacklisted!: Hollywood, the Cold War, and the First Amendment by Larry Dane Brimner
www.slj.com/review/black...
Texas Schools Face New Book Selection Process Under Senate Bill 13 | KFOX 14
As of September 1, school boards—not librarians—will be in charge of collection development.
www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/censor...
As of September 1, school boards—not librarians—will be in charge of collection development.
www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/censor...
July 23, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Texas Schools Face New Book Selection Process Under Senate Bill 13 | KFOX 14
As of September 1, school boards—not librarians—will be in charge of collection development.
www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/censor...
As of September 1, school boards—not librarians—will be in charge of collection development.
www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/censor...
"If you’re anything like me, your reading list has also expanded lately.. so let’s hop to it! (The starred titles are new this month all 21 of them) Our next suggestion period opens end of July."
Heavy Medal's crowdsourced contenders for the 2026 mock Newbery
heavymedal.slj.com/2025/07/07/h...
Heavy Medal's crowdsourced contenders for the 2026 mock Newbery
heavymedal.slj.com/2025/07/07/h...
July 23, 2025 at 12:33 AM
"If you’re anything like me, your reading list has also expanded lately.. so let’s hop to it! (The starred titles are new this month all 21 of them) Our next suggestion period opens end of July."
Heavy Medal's crowdsourced contenders for the 2026 mock Newbery
heavymedal.slj.com/2025/07/07/h...
Heavy Medal's crowdsourced contenders for the 2026 mock Newbery
heavymedal.slj.com/2025/07/07/h...
Librarians, Legislation, and Media Training: Successfully advocate for libraries in legislature and your local community.
Speakers include:
John Chrastka, @everylibrary.bsky.social
Stephana Ferrell, @flfreedomread
Lynette Mejía @la-cac.org
bit.ly/4f373mM
Speakers include:
John Chrastka, @everylibrary.bsky.social
Stephana Ferrell, @flfreedomread
Lynette Mejía @la-cac.org
bit.ly/4f373mM
July 22, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Librarians, Legislation, and Media Training: Successfully advocate for libraries in legislature and your local community.
Speakers include:
John Chrastka, @everylibrary.bsky.social
Stephana Ferrell, @flfreedomread
Lynette Mejía @la-cac.org
bit.ly/4f373mM
Speakers include:
John Chrastka, @everylibrary.bsky.social
Stephana Ferrell, @flfreedomread
Lynette Mejía @la-cac.org
bit.ly/4f373mM
Over the last several years, we’ve seen climate change and conservation as big themes, and both appear in this year’s starred reviews as well.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
July 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Over the last several years, we’ve seen climate change and conservation as big themes, and both appear in this year’s starred reviews as well.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
A curious theme in this year’s starred reviews? What happens when a person takes on the identity of another, whether by choice, by force, or by accident.
www.slj.com/story/identi...
www.slj.com/story/identi...
July 21, 2025 at 11:18 AM
A curious theme in this year’s starred reviews? What happens when a person takes on the identity of another, whether by choice, by force, or by accident.
www.slj.com/story/identi...
www.slj.com/story/identi...
Countering bias and self-censorship in school libraries. (American Libraries)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
July 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Countering bias and self-censorship in school libraries. (American Libraries)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
Attorneys for the DoD's school system who are seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed by military families argue that directives to remove library books and curriculum materials do not violate the students’ First Amendment rights. (Stars and Stripes)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
July 19, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Attorneys for the DoD's school system who are seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed by military families argue that directives to remove library books and curriculum materials do not violate the students’ First Amendment rights. (Stars and Stripes)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
Today's the day, picture book lovers.
www.slj.com/event/slj-pi...
www.slj.com/event/slj-pi...
July 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Today's the day, picture book lovers.
www.slj.com/event/slj-pi...
www.slj.com/event/slj-pi...
Countering bias and self-censorship in school libraries. (American Libraries)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
July 15, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Countering bias and self-censorship in school libraries. (American Libraries)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
This issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December.
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
July 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM
This issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December.
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
DoD attorneys seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed by military families argue that directives to remove library books don't violate students’ First Amendment rights and that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit is rooted in the 2024 presidential election results. (Stars and Stripes)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
July 14, 2025 at 10:13 AM
DoD attorneys seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed by military families argue that directives to remove library books don't violate students’ First Amendment rights and that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit is rooted in the 2024 presidential election results. (Stars and Stripes)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
How psychologists are fighting censorship to keep culturally diverse books available to everyone. (APA)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
July 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
How psychologists are fighting censorship to keep culturally diverse books available to everyone. (APA)
www.slj.com/story/censor...
www.slj.com/story/censor...
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a measure that would have required public libraries throughout the state to segregate material related to sexual orientation or gender identity so they were not visible to patrons under 18.
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
July 13, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a measure that would have required public libraries throughout the state to segregate material related to sexual orientation or gender identity so they were not visible to patrons under 18.
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
Former Pierce County Library Manager Lavonnia Moore was called into the office to speak with Three Rivers Library System Dir. Jeremy Snell, who told her she was being let go over a book that was part of a summer reading display, When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
July 13, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Former Pierce County Library Manager Lavonnia Moore was called into the office to speak with Three Rivers Library System Dir. Jeremy Snell, who told her she was being let go over a book that was part of a summer reading display, When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
"It was a wild month for suggestions! About 25 people suggested 80 books (TWENTY ONE of those being new titles) as 2026 Mock Newbery contenders. And I really thought I was almost caught up on my reading. I’m funny."
(Heavy Medal)
(Heavy Medal)
July 12, 2025 at 5:47 PM
"It was a wild month for suggestions! About 25 people suggested 80 books (TWENTY ONE of those being new titles) as 2026 Mock Newbery contenders. And I really thought I was almost caught up on my reading. I’m funny."
(Heavy Medal)
(Heavy Medal)
Parents and students rallied against changes to DEI policies and book bans at a Duval County (FL) Public Schools meeting.
(FirstCoast News)
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
(FirstCoast News)
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
July 11, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Parents and students rallied against changes to DEI policies and book bans at a Duval County (FL) Public Schools meeting.
(FirstCoast News)
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
(FirstCoast News)
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
This issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December.
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
July 10, 2025 at 7:49 PM
This issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December.
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
www.slj.com/page/2025-st...
A curious theme in this year’s starred reviews? What happens when a person takes on the identity of another, whether by choice, by force, or by accident.
www.slj.com/story/identi...
www.slj.com/story/identi...
July 10, 2025 at 11:39 AM
A curious theme in this year’s starred reviews? What happens when a person takes on the identity of another, whether by choice, by force, or by accident.
www.slj.com/story/identi...
www.slj.com/story/identi...
As of September 1, school boards—not librarians—will be in charge of collection development.
Texas Schools Face New Book Selection Process Under Senate Bill 13 | KFOX 14
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
Texas Schools Face New Book Selection Process Under Senate Bill 13 | KFOX 14
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
July 9, 2025 at 10:57 PM
As of September 1, school boards—not librarians—will be in charge of collection development.
Texas Schools Face New Book Selection Process Under Senate Bill 13 | KFOX 14
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
Texas Schools Face New Book Selection Process Under Senate Bill 13 | KFOX 14
www.slj.com/story/Georgi...
Over the last several years, we’ve seen climate change and conservation as big themes, and both appear in this year’s starred reviews as well.
www.slj.com/story/identi...
www.slj.com/story/identi...
July 9, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Over the last several years, we’ve seen climate change and conservation as big themes, and both appear in this year’s starred reviews as well.
www.slj.com/story/identi...
www.slj.com/story/identi...
Poetry and verse stand out this year because of how intentionally a writer must exercise an economy of words in telling an emotionally engaging story.
"Identity, Poetic Justice, and Grief Among the Themes in This Year’s Starred Titles" by Kelly Jensen
www.slj.com/story/identi...
"Identity, Poetic Justice, and Grief Among the Themes in This Year’s Starred Titles" by Kelly Jensen
www.slj.com/story/identi...
July 9, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Poetry and verse stand out this year because of how intentionally a writer must exercise an economy of words in telling an emotionally engaging story.
"Identity, Poetic Justice, and Grief Among the Themes in This Year’s Starred Titles" by Kelly Jensen
www.slj.com/story/identi...
"Identity, Poetic Justice, and Grief Among the Themes in This Year’s Starred Titles" by Kelly Jensen
www.slj.com/story/identi...
"An emotional take on a ghost story, with heartwarming illustrations and an ending to bring a tear to the eye.
SLJ's starred review of We Are Already Haunting Here!
by Gideon Sterer (text) & illus. by Charlie Mylie
Union Square Kids. Jul. 2025
www.slj.com/review/we-ar...
SLJ's starred review of We Are Already Haunting Here!
by Gideon Sterer (text) & illus. by Charlie Mylie
Union Square Kids. Jul. 2025
www.slj.com/review/we-ar...
July 9, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"An emotional take on a ghost story, with heartwarming illustrations and an ending to bring a tear to the eye.
SLJ's starred review of We Are Already Haunting Here!
by Gideon Sterer (text) & illus. by Charlie Mylie
Union Square Kids. Jul. 2025
www.slj.com/review/we-ar...
SLJ's starred review of We Are Already Haunting Here!
by Gideon Sterer (text) & illus. by Charlie Mylie
Union Square Kids. Jul. 2025
www.slj.com/review/we-ar...
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a measure that would have required public libraries throughout the state to segregate material related to sexual orientation or gender identity so they were not visible to patrons under 18.
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
July 9, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a measure that would have required public libraries throughout the state to segregate material related to sexual orientation or gender identity so they were not visible to patrons under 18.
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
(The Chronicle)
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...