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!

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… 

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!

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.  

It's back! The event you've been waiting for...

You’re invited to our spring warehouse sale! For the first time in two years, we are so excited to announce that we will be having an in-person warehouse sale on April 22-23. Here is everything you need to know about the event.