Coffee with Margaret Peterson Haddix

REMARKABLES reminds us that asking for help and forgiving others are not faults or weaknesses, but rather they are acts that help us become so resilient in life. Learn more about Margaret Peterson Haddix’s views on time travel, the unraveling of fate, and why it’s so important to be mindful of the present moment.

Q & A with Maura Jortner

When the JLG Editorial Team first shared their excitement over this middle school novel—a category that I wasn’t too familiar with—, you could tell there was something special about this story. Naturally, I wanted to learn more because I kept thinking to myself, “Can a novel meant for a middle school audience really be this powerful?”

The JLG Editorial Team was right—I couldn’t put this book down. It spoke to me in the ways that great literature speaks to all of us; I was united by its universal themes of love, suffering, grieving, and healing. No matter your age, every reader will find solace (and creative swearing) in Maura Jortner’s 102 Days of Lying About Lauren.

Honoring Disability Pride Month: How to Keep Your Library Accessible and Inclusive for Everyone

July is known as Disability Pride Month because it marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law is meant to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and discourage discrimination, however, people are still marginalized for their abilities or limitations. To help combat ableism and injustice, librarians across the nation strive to make a safe space where all people and communities can see themselves embodied in literature.

Help Foster a Love of Reading this Summer!

In recently released data from NAEP, students who read for fun daily are at an all-time low; only 14% of students reported reading for fun almost every day. This statistic is alarming, especially when there are so many great summer reads to go around! If your students are having a difficult time picking up a book, and they need a little convincing that reading for pleasure is important for their overall growth and success, this is the blog post for YOU!

Q & A with Sacha Lamb

Sacha Lamb, an archivist, librarian, and author of When the Angels Left the Old Country, writes a queer, Jewish fantasy that transcends the concepts of identity, gender, and explores how both good and evil are necessary in our lives. When writing this story, they intended to combine all the literary elements that they love into one—and this ingenuity is what won the book a Stonewall, Sydney Taylor, and Printz Book Award!

Picking a Pulitzer

Stay True by Hua Hsu was the first JLG selection to win a Pulitzer Prize, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to learn more about how our editorial staff deemed it a JLG Gold Standard Selection. So, what exactly goes into picking a Pulitzer Prize? Dan, a member of our editorial staff, shares his journey… 

Q & A with Martin Lemelman

We spoke with Martin Lemelman, certified Florida Master Gardener, and—importantly—the author of the The Miracle Seed, for Jewish American Heritage Month. 

Do not miss this special blog where we learn more about Martin’s graphic novel, his thoughts on miracles, and how his parents taught him resilience by surviving the Holocaust.  

How Does Reading Improve Your Mental Health?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at JLG, we know that reading is a great technique to practice mindfulness, relaxation, and empathy—AND it’s even been scientifically proven to improve our mental health! The next time you need an excuse to stock your shelves with a new title, just remember, that book could help positively impact a reader’s thoughts, mood, or behavior—we love the power of books!

Q&A with Janice Chiang

To honor literature that is representative of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we chatted with Digital Artist, Janice Chiang about her recent project, Tokyo Rose: Zero Hour.

During our interview, Janice compares herself to the main character in the story, Iva, saying, "Just like Iva, I too have felt divided in half. When I started to search for my identity in this country, I realized I was in a position of strength—not weakness—to have two perspectives in life."

Read on to learn more about Janice Chiang and the different AAPI Month activities that you can get involved in! 

Why are School Libraries Important for Student Success?

School libraries are essential to learners; they provide the foundation to student learning and help students achieve their goals. In order to combat the decrease in school libraries, we must advocate for their existence and funding and demonstrate how eliminating them negatively impacts our schools, students, and communities.  

Jobs of the Modern School Librarian

 A modern school librarian’s day is filled with more than you can imagine—you might be surprised to hear about what is included in their jam-packed schedule! 

Q & A with Andrew Aydin

To honor the anniversary of Selma’s Bloody Sunday, a nonviolent march during the Civil Rights Movement, we sat down and spoke with JLG author, Andrew Aydin. We first met Aydin at ALA in 2022; he was gregarious, genuine, and found a way to connect with each attendee on a personal and professional level. He spoke openly and humbly, sharing his experiences with Congressman John Lewis, a champion for human rights and one of the “Big Six” leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

Honoring Women Authors on International Women’s Day!

To celebrate women authors and their allies, we interviewed members of JLG team to learn more about their favorite women authors and characters—expect some wild Q and A from these book worms!

Meet the Newest Member of the JLG Editorial Team

One of the most unique aspects of Junior Library Guild is our Editorial Team. We are committed to bringing the best new books to young readers, but how exactly do we do that? The Editorial Team reads thousands of manuscripts every year and chooses the best new books based on a wide variety of criteria. They then sort these books into our categories, and we work with our publishers to bring them right to the shelves of our members.  

2022 ALA YMA Award Winners

The 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards were this morning, and we are so excited to announce that 53 distinct JLG Gold Standard Selections were recognized for 64 various accolades. Being recognized at the Youth Media Awards is a huge honor, and we are so proud of all the authors and illustrators who were awarded today. JLG members can get these award-winning titles today for just $12 each here. 

Get ready for the 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards!

The 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards will be held next week on Monday, January 24th at 9:00 AM EST. Every January, the American Library Association honors videos, books, and other content for children and young adults. This year, the awards will be held virtually, and can be streamed here. 

We are all in this together: Finding growth and gratitude in the midst of COVID-19

 JLG General Manager Sean Lockwood reflects on the disruption of COVID-19 and what an honor it has been to stand shoulder to shoulder with our incredible library partners as they respond to the impact of the novel coronavirus and rapidly move their on-campus instruction to remote teaching. 

JLG Selections Shine in the New York Times Best Children's Books of 2019!

Unboxing #2: The Art of Science

The giggly, giddy stars of last month's Boxes of Books Unboxing video are at it again, this time unpacking their JLG subscription box of March selections.

Webcast Recap:
Books We Love June 2017

On our webcast today, Kiera and I talked about some of our favorite upcoming books you might want to check out this summer. Kiera Parrott is the Reviews Director for School Library Journal and Library Journal and a former children's librarian. Whether your to-be-read pile grew or it became prioritized, we are sure your readers will get also enjoy getting to know these new stories and their wonderful characters. Read More

Webcast Recap: 12 New Books to Read This Summer

In our webcast today, Kayleigh and I talked about some of our favorite upcoming books you might want to check out this summer. Whether your to-be-read pile grew or it became prioritized, we are sure your readers will get a kick out of future-telling noodleheads and blue librarians. Read More

Webcast Recap: Get to Know Spring's Hottest Debut Authors and Illustrators Spring 2017, K-12

In our webcast today, my guest Carl A. Harvey II and I talked about some of our favorite upcoming books written by debut authors and illustrators. From a National Geographic explorer to A. S. King's debut as a middle grade writer, these authors are sure to find their way into the hearts and minds of the young and older reader. Read More

Webcast Recap: Women Who Rock: Celebrating the Past and Present

Astronomer. Pinkerton detective. Automobile driver. Computer programmer. Women continue to rock our world through their talents, leadership, and wisdom. In our webcast today, I talked about some of our favorite upcoming books by and about women. From hot new biographies to strong female characters, writers, and illustrators, these quick booktalks will lengthen your shopping cart list. Read More

Webcast Recap: The Buzz about New Teen Books

In our webcast today, Kayleigh and talked about some of our favorite upcoming books for teens. From angry bananas to stories of teens behind bars and witchcraft, these new books for grades 6-12 are sure to circulate! Read More

Webcast Recap: 4 Ways to Strengthen Diversity in Your Library Program

In our webcast today, I shared four ways to strengthen diversity in your library program. As I said, every effort you make towards inclusion and diversity matters to someone. By being aware, keeping up with the literature, shaking up your programming and bringing in outside resources, the impact you can make is so valuable. Read More

You've Got the Winners, Now What?

The Youth Media Awards for 2017 have been announced. Your favorites won. Your favorites lost. There were surprises. Is there anything out there to help sell the books to the winners? And if I already have the books, how can I get those shiny stickers to add to their marketing charisma? What about programming should that be part of what I do with these winners?

Webcast Recap: Silly and Somber: Books for Spring 2017 From the JLG Webinar Series

While the rest of the world is wagering guesses on ALA Awards, the JLG Team is busy working on 2017. Today Susan Marston and I talked about some of the titles on deck for spring 2017. With an early trend of silly and somber, we chatted about a modern day Lord of the Flies, a graphic novel memoir, and a wordless book with words. Read More

What Makes a Good Picture Book?

Do you remember when The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Scholastic, 2007) won the medal? I recall being both delighted and shocked that a 500-plus-page novel could win a picture book award. After a little investigation, I learned that the Caldecott (like the Newbery) considers books for readers through age fourteen. Length of book is not a factor. Instead, a "picture book for children" is defined by the committee as something distinct from other books that have illustrations—it's one that "essentially provides the child with a visual experience." Read More

Webcast Recap: Falling for New Teen Books 2016

On today's webcast Leslie Bermel and I talked about the some of the fall forthcoming books for teen readers. From three magical children and their holy dog to a laugh out loud retelling of the story of Jane Grey, you'll find the new releases to be worth the wait. Read More

New Highly Starred Books for 2016

Now that we approaching the end of the 2016 season, you may be like me and starting to make your Best Lists. I know the journals are putting in the hours and whittling down their lists. Our own Jeanette is constantly adding new stars, lists, and awards of our own titles. You can keep track of JLG title selections at Awards & Lists/Lists & Reviews. If you've been keeping tabs, the following are the most highly starred titles of 2016--so far. Read More

Webcast Recap: A Hat, a Pig and Panda Pants August 2016: From the JLG Webinar Series

On today's webcast Leslie Bermel and I talked about the some of the fall forthcoming books for elementary readers. From two turtles that discover a hat in the desert to a much-anticipated biography of E.B. White, you’ll find the new releases to be worth the wait. With the addition of new categories, Character Building Elementary, Fantasy/Science Fiction Elementary and Multicultural Elementary, you'll have even more wonderful books for your young readers. And remember to add some Plus categories to get even more books in the fall—just when you need them most! Read More

There IS No Good Stopping Place: What Makes a Good Page Turner?

"If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year for it." (The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck; Dial, 2004) What kid isn't going to keep reading with an opener like that? You can read Richard Peck's Horn Book Magazine article "In the Beginning: What Makes a Good Beginning?" from the 2006 summer issue. And who wouldn’t keep reading if a chapter ended like this: “It wasn’t about saving us. And it wasn’t about enslaving us or herding us into reservations. It was about killing us. All of us.” (The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey; Putnam, 2013) Read More

PPP- Books We Love National Webcast

On today's webcast Leslie Bermel and I talked about 20 of the JLG selections that are we just love. These were books we haven't talked about in past webcasts, with many of the titles shipping out this summer. From a YA author-turned picture book author to what some are calling his best book yet, your readers will love these hot-off-the-press titles! Read More

If You Give a Girl a Book...She'll Buy Doughnuts

I've always known that I'm completely drawn into the world of books. I get lost among the pages and worry over the outcomes. I have conversations with complete strangers about stories I've read, as if they are true examples of how that person might benefit from a fictional experience. (You've read how dangerous it is for me to sit near a device where I was tempted to buy a chatelaine.) And yes, I've called in sick so I could stay home to finish a book--which is ridiculous, since that's my real job! Suffice it to say today I could not resist temptation today. Read More

Tech Tuesday: Creating a JLG Wish List

I'm working on a new Books for Boys and Anyone Else Who Likes a Great Book workshop, when it occurred to me: What if I had a wish list at JLG? Then I could easily add titles as I read them. Then, JLG (meaning Jeanette) could create a new list under our Themed Lists page and make it easier for you to shop for them after attending a workshop. Then I thought: I should make a video about how to create a wish list. Maybe some members don't know how. What about you? Are you using the Wish List feature? It's so easy to create and use a wish list. Read More

And the Winners Are...Boston Globe Horn Book 2016

And you thought you'd have to wait for 7 months to pass before you heard a book win A Big Prize! Remember: The 2016 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards will be announced on Thursday-- via video for the first time! --by Horn Book editor in chief Roger Sutton and Linda Pizzuti Henry, managing director of the Boston Globe. Check back at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2. Read More

Beyond the Books: Four Reasons to Login to Your JLG Account

Being a Junior Library Guild member has its privileges. Sure, people can see our selections if they go to our website, but there are hidden secrets, resources, and data that only members can see. (And you don't have to have a special jacket or handshake to access these hidden gems.) All you need is one simple action. Log in. Doing it will open the door to four reasons why you want to stay logged into your account. Read More

JLG Book Trailer Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a book trailer for our contest. There were so many great entries. We were impressed with the creativity of the entries and the time and energy put into the finished videos. Librarians across the country have voted, and we have winners. Congratulations! Keep reading to see who won and watch their videos. Read More

Stars So Far: JLG Webinar Series PPP

On today's webcast Leslie Bermel and I talked about 20 of the JLG selections that are getting the star buzz. With well more than 150 books to choose from, we had a tough time selecting our featured authors and illustrators. (So stay tuned to the summer webcast schedule.) Remember that in addition to providing you with great selections, we are building resources to help you use these titles. Check out the NEW JLG Spring 2016 Booktalks to Go LiveBinder for resources for these and other great JLG titles. JLG BTG titles are added to our Pinterest board and tweeted out by following Deborah B. Ford. Look for book trailers and archived webcasts on our JLG YouTube Playlist. This webcast will be archived and posted on the JLG website at a later date. Your certificate of attendance can be reprinted by watching the archived video for at least ten minutes. Read More

PPP-Webcast Debut Authors and Illustrators of 2016

On today's webcast Roger Sutton, Editor-in-Chief of The Horn Book, and I talked about some of the rising stars for the Class of 2016 for the spring season. With almost forty books to choose from, we had a tough time selecting our featured authors and illustrators. (Thanks again for joining us, Roger) If you haven't purchased your Horn Book subscription already, remember that JLG members get a discount on the journal. (It's a celebration of wonderful-must-be-purchased books!) Read More