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.

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!

JLG Back-to-School Book Bundle Giveaway!

Check out the five back-to-school author-autographed book bundles that were part of our giveaway. It's too late to enter—but find out how you can catch the next one!

Teen spirit: How to get teens back to the library

What can libraries do to make sure their young-adult readers stop by for a visit—and then keep coming back? Get tips from School Library Journal’s Karen Jensen.

Ohio author launches book drive for town hit by tornadoes

In Celina, Ohio, more than 50 homes were destroyed by tornado and everything was lost: furniture, clothing, photographs, mementos and, central to this story, books. So a local children's author started a book drive.

Countdown to summer reading

It’s time to get ready for your summer reading program! With this year’s theme celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the moon landing, we’ve got lots of ideas for you to make this the best summer yet. Launch into a summer of space with great books, STEM activities and display ideas.

Summer R and R for #KidLit Champions

For teachers and school librarians, June may mean no school. But even if you have a summer job or if you're like m--you work all year long--you still need to give yourself a mental and emotional break. As educators and book evangelists, helping is what we do. It's our nature. Yet you can't give and give without refilling your own cup. Read More