Pursuing excellence for library service to children and teens
On October 28, 2026, America will mark a big milestone for a big lady: the 140th anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. A shining beacon of freedom, independence and our country’s historical alliance with France, this anniversary falls during America 250 and offers libraries and schools around the country a chance to teach this commemorative event in a fun, engaging way that brings the symbol that so many know into focus.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, here are a few recent books for youths that feature characters with disabilities.
In 2003, Mo Willems introduced us to a fabulous character: the Pigeon! Readers had one instruction: Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus. With that simple plea, librarians and caregivers learned how much fun “don’t” can be as an addition to storytimes. Today, I’m sharing a list of some of my favorite “don’t” titles – please do give them a try!
There’s a scene in the cult film Little Miss Sunshine where an endearingly dysfunctional family is driving cross-country to a beauty pageant. At one point the alleged grown-ups get into a heated argument about adult life-style choices. Young Olive, our seven-year-old heroine, is blissfully tuned into her music, but sensing the rising tension, pulls off her headphones and wants to know what everybody’s yelling about. After a moment of adult topic-inspired hesitation, Grandpa comes up with a one-word response: Politics. Thoroughly disinterested, and slightly disgusted, Olive returns to her music. Would that all of us could so effortlessly dismiss this loaded subject. However, we live in interesting times, and no matter where people fall on the political spectrum, we all face a never-ending barrage of media coverage about government actions and our elected officials. Some adults may think children are impervious, but kids can be pretty savvy. They certainly hear…
Does your job require regular professional development or continuing education? Often, this means mandatory training facilitated by your employer. It covers important topics and may provide useful tools and resources. But what about development that’s just for you?
Climate change is a hot button issue and more children’s books have been focusing on the subject. From picture books to middle grade novels, climate change has made its way into the world of children’s books. Below are some recommended books for children that explain climate change. Not only do these books highlight this important issue, but they show children how they can help save our planet on a local level.
Today I would like to highlight the work of several committees whose work is used on a daily basis by ALSC members, parents, teachers, librarians, and many others looking for excellent book recommendations. ALSC booklists help fulfill our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by highlighting books that feature children in our communities and our lives.
I recently picked up the newly published book, A Kid’s Guide to America’s First Ladies by Kathleen Krull and was intrigued by the plethora of interesting facts and stories revealed within this title. Nearly each chapter shared something surprising, such as how Abigail Adams was mocked with the nickname “Mrs. President”, considered the opposite of a compliment at the time, or how women were not allowed to wear pants on the U.S. Senate floor until 1993.