The library, as we once knew it, may no longer be relevant. And, yet, this is undoubtedly the most exciting time in history to be a librarian. The future of the school library as a relevant and viable institution is largely dependent on librarians and how quickly they respond to change. They worry about their field and their practice. They worry…

Just 10 years ago the Academy of American Poets initiated the observance of National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Since then, the movement has continued to gain momentum with the emergence of Young People's Poetry Week in 1999, a focus on poetry slams as the centerpiece for Teen Read Week in 2003, and the…

During the past year, more than three dozen librarians working with teens in public, school, and college libraries have evaluated books published for the adult market with an eye toward identifying those that are worthy of teen reading as well. By examining more than 600 titles, this journal was able to select about 250 for review across the year.…

This annotated bibliography lists 45 children's books and 29 young adult books selected by School Library Journal's Book Review staff and Young Adult Review committee, respectively. Arrangement is alphabetical by author with the grade level indicated for children's books. (EJS)

Relates events surrounding decision made by a public school board of education and school administrators to institute the policy of obtaining parental permission for students who want to borrow five Judy Blume books from the middle school library. Actions taken by the librarian and parental involvement are covered. (EJS)

Provides suggestions for developing school library services and collections that encourage awareness of famous women in the fields of math and science. Suggestions include examining the collection; ensuring information access; creating awareness activities for teachers and administrators; encouraging student projects; keeping teachers, guidance…

Presents results of survey analyzing pleasure reading habits of gifted and other elementary school students covering types of books, where books are obtained, favorite authors, importance of reading, activities that encouraged reading, early childhood books, number of books owned, and enjoyment of reading. Role of schools and libraries are…

Mere days before the announcement of the new children's book ambassador, speculation was still running wild. However, when the Library of Congress introduced Katherine Paterson as the new kids' book ambassador on January 5, the choice was greeted with unrivaled enthusiasm. A two-time winner of the Newbery Medal (for "Bridge to…

The reading patterns and habits of young and old are changing as reading migrates from the printed page to the computer screen. Now, new forms of expression such as remixes and mash-ups are emerging from interactive digital environments. How can school librarians help students read with understanding in dynamic digital environments? How can they…

Focusing on issues raised in secondary schools, this report itemizes book protests gleaned from both the American Library Association's "Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom" and the newspapers and compares results with six published censorship surveys. Interpreting the survey, most frequently and least frequently protested books, and…

In this article, the author describes ten nonfiction books she recommends for adults: (1) "My Reading Life" (Pat Conroy); (2) "Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" (Barbara Demick); (3) "Learning to Die in Miami: Confessions of a Refuge Boy" (Carlos Eire); (4) "The Perfect Shape + The Perfect Sauce =…

Presents results of 1982 reading interest survey which polled 7,933 teenagers between the ages of 11 and 20. Conducted by the San Francisco Bay Area Young Adult Librarians (BAYA), the survey involved 13 participating public libraries. The top ten favorites in the categories of subjects, titles, and authors are noted. (EJS)

It is a fun parlor game to speculate about what the future of books will look like. The author wonders whether stories will be read on screens and supplemented with gaming, illustration, video, and multimedia riddles. In this essay, the author shares his vision of the future of reading and describes what he learned from writing a story based on…

With so many choices and so many terrific nonfiction titles in the pipeline, picking the "right" read can be daunting. This year, the author offers a variety of choices: the future of books, the life of a great American photographer, jigsaw puzzles as a metaphor for life, the negative legacy of America's positive thinking, a history of American…

2010 marks the fifth year the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) has selected an honor list of international books. Once again, titles on the list crisscross the globe. They have been published in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, India, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This…