Kara Yorio
Sr News Editor, School Library Journal (@sljournal) News junkie, dog person, mom. Love a good game, great writing & big Broadway numbers. Opinions mine. she/her
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Articles by Kara Yorio
New Jersey School District and Public Library Work Together To Create Student Opportunities
In Secaucus, NJ, an ongoing collaboration—that has often included the mayor and publisher Fabled Films Press—brings authors, books, and activities to the city's public school students. Family Literacy Night was a collaboration among the public library, school district, and publisher Fabled Films Press.
Serving Youth with Dyslexia
Broad library collections and specific reading tools can help young patrons and students with dyslexia. When my youngest child was starting kindergarten, I quickly began to realize that she was dyslexic. I also realized that not once in my 16-year library career had we discussed dyslexia—not in my Master of Library Science program nor at any of the state and national library professional development I had attended.
A Curricular Conversation: Excerpts vs. Full Texts
The ELA debate continues without clear consensus on where teaching is trending and how school librarians factor into the equation. Susan Barber was shocked at what she was hearing at her district training with English Language Arts (ELA) specialists before this school year began. “They said, ‘We’re not going to teach whole novels; we just want you all teaching excerpts,’” says the English teacher at Midtown High School in Atlanta.
A Q&A with Banned Books Week Youth Honorary Chair Marshall Romero
Marshall Romero spoke with SLJ about Banned Books Week, SEAT, and inspiring young people to get involved. Marshall Romero spent the week of his 18th birthday testifying in front of the Texas legislature and advocating for the freedom to read as one of two Youth Honorary Chairs for Banned Books Week. The senior at Alief Early College High School in Houston is also an advocate for Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT).
Applications Open for Mathical Collection Development Awards Grants
The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) and School Library Journal (SLJ) have announced the seventh cycle of a funding program aimed at getting fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K–12 students in Title I schools.
Authors, Activists, Educators Speak on “The Fight of Our Lives” | Banned Books Week 2026
The room on the third floor of the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building was filled with members of the publishing elite, including Christopher Paul Curtis, Laurie Halse Anderson, Malinda Lo, Jodi Picoult, David Levithan, Ibram X. Kendi, and Vashti Harrison, as well as the families of Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Kurt Vonnegut.
ALA Releases 150 Most Challenged Books from 1990–2025
American Library Association marks 150th Anniversary during Banned Books Week with list of 150 Most Challenged Books The Oct. 4–10 Observance Concludes With Let Freedom Read Day CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) is observing Banned Books Week, Oct. 4-10, under the theme “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” To mark the occasion and ALA’s official 150th anniversary on Oct. 6, ALA has released a list of the 150 most challenged books documented from 1990 through 2025.
‘The Sixth Faction’ by Veronica Roth Tops Holds Lists | Book Pulse
The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth leads holds this week. Also in demand are titles by Stuart Gibbs, Ann M. Martin, Jasmine Guillory, and Judd Winick. People talks with Ann Brashares as “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” turns 25. SLJ shares four children’s books about Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. Want to get the latest book news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly SLJBook Pulse newsletter Big Books of the Week by Veronica Roth (HarperCollins) leads holds this week.
PEN America Report: 2025–26 School Year Broke Book Ban Records
The 2025–26 school year saw 11,982 books banned from shelves, according to the latest “Spotlight on School Book Bans” from PEN America. It is the highest number since the organization started keeping track in 2021. The second largest number of books banned was 10,046 in 2023–24. A record 7,370 unique titles were banned—with more than 4,500 books that were not previously included in PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans.
Could Congress Create a National Book Ban?
SLJ Modified: Photo illustrated by Douglas Rissing/Getty Images Librarians have long dealt with different and unclear rules regarding book bans and classroom teaching materials from state to state and even district to district. Now, some Republican lawmakers in Congress want to expand federal authority over public school curricula, materials, and parental involvement. Here’s how federal lawmakers are trying to reshape school collections, parental rights, and history instruction nationwide.
SLJ’s Reviews of Candace Fleming’s 2026 Margaret A. Edwards Award Picks
Check out the full-text reviews of the works cited in the 2026 Margaret A. Edwards Award given to Candace Fleming, including Amelia Lost, Murder Among Friends, and The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh. ★Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt's Remarkable Life by Candace Fleming. S. & S./Atheneum. 2005. ISBN 9780689865442.
Remembering Former SLJ Publisher Fred Ciporen
Fred Ciporen, former publisher of Library Journal, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, died on September 4 at age 87. He is remembered by colleagues for his insight and generosity: working to highlight the importance of libraries as consumers in the publishing ecosystem with the three magazines as valued conduits; seeing the merits of emerging models and promoting them; and lifting up colleagues as he went along.
Teaching About the Freedom To Read Starts Early
For Alyssa Husby, a PreS–8 librarian in Dearborn, MI, one of the most telling moments in the library happens at the checkout desk. Young children often don’t quite realize that they can choose any book they want until it has been scanned and handed back to them. Then, Husby says, “Their smiles are like pure sunshine.” Some hold the book up to show classmates and teachers. It is a small moment, but Husby sees something important happening: a child discovering reading independence.
SLJ Summit Will Bring School Librarians Together in Las Vegas
Every year, school librarians gather at the SLJ Summit for a conference focused on their work—sharing successes, problem solving for peers, networking, and hearing keynotes from inspiring speakers in and out of the children’s literature and library worlds, including Congressman John Lewis, actor and activist George Takei, author Jeff Kinney, and Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets.
Missouri Supreme Court Hears Case on Constitutionality of Book Ban Law | Censorship News
Missouri Supreme Court Considers Constitutionality of Law That Led To Hundreds of Books Being Removed from School Libraries | KFVS Book banning or protecting children? Those are the arguments before the Missouri Supreme Court. The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments on whether a state law regulating which materials are allowed in school libraries is constitutional.
‘Trust Fall’ by Lynn Painter Tops Holds Lists | Book Pulse
Trust Fall by Lynn Painter tops holds lists. Also in demand are titles by Maureen Johnson, Lois Lowry, Tomi Adeyemi, and Terri Libenson. People reports on the 10th anniversary of “Dog Man” and Dav Pilkey’s international book tour. Teen Vogue talks with Meg Cabot about her return to YA writing. Want to get the latest book news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly SLJBook Pulse newsletter Trust Fall by Lynn Painter (S. & S.; SLJ starred review) leads holds this week.
Falling Enrollment, Budget Issues, and the Impact on School Libraries
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images More than half of the nation’s 50 largest school districts are facing a financial reckoning. They’ve either made or are planning budget cuts or are staring down deficits that will eventually force cuts, according to Chalkbeat. And 30 of those 50 cited lower enrollments as a driving force. It’s not just big cities, either. The National Center for Education Statistics released 2025 data showing that 80 percent of U.S. states were losing students.
How Enrollment Became a Crisis for Urban Districts
Welcome to the new reality for our largest cities. Fewer kids. Half-empty school buildings. Eye-popping red ink. In 2000, Oakland had a total population of about 400,000; by 2023, it had increased to 441,000—about 10 percent. Sounds like a growing, thriving city. You might be surprised, then, to learn that Oakland’s schools have been besieged by declining enrollment and budget shortfalls that could reach $100 million this year. How does that math work? Did charter schools siphon students away?
Authors’ Lawsuit Against Utah Book Ban Law Can Continue | Censorship News
Lawsuit To Overturn Utah's Book Ban Law Can Continue, Judge Says | KPCW A federal judge has ruled that a group of bestselling authors can continue their lawsuit aimed at overturning Utah’s book ban law, which has put some of their books out of reach of public school students. U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby determined the authors had legal standing to sue, denying parts of the state’s motion to dismiss the case. The order effectively clears a path for the lawsuit to move forward.
Kwame Alexander, First Book Launch New Online Show for Kids | News Bites
Story Showdown will feature children’s authors competing for prizes for First Book members; Nikki Grimes named Young People's Poet Laureate; Penguin Random House sends Banned Wagon back on the road; Judy Blume sponsors bookstore grant; and more. Kwame Alexander, First Book launch new online show First Book and Kwame Alexander’s nonprofit One Word at a Time have created a new game show called Story Showdown.
Bess Kalb and Tony Weaver Jr Named Honorary Chairs of Banned Books Week 2026
Authors Bess Kalb and Tony Weaver Jr. are the Banned Books Week 2026 honorary chairs. “I am grateful to the Banned Books Week Coalition for defending what censors fear most: critical thinking and diversity of opinion,” Kalb said in the announcement. “These bans don’t just deprive kids of books, they dim the light on the future. I’m thrilled to be an honorary chair of Banned Books Week because if it weren’t for books in my elementary school library, like Are You There God?
A Call to Conversation: Use Banned Books Week To Start Honest Discussions
During this continued time of accelerated censorship and legislative attacks on the freedom to read, Banned Books Week offers a chance to educate the community, push for action from allies, and spark needed conversations among librarians.
Nic Stone on the Core of the Human Experience and Hope in 'Dasia (Forever)'
You have written several companion novels that come back to the same characters in your debut Dear Martin (Crown, 2017). How do you pick which characters’ stories to tell? As strange as it sounds, it’s less that I pick which characters’ stories to tell and more that certain characters tellme that they want their stories told. The storytelling process is very… odd and mysterious for me, and I frequently don’t know exactly where the stories or the characters are coming from.
Longlist Announced for 2026 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
The National Book Foundation has announced the longlist for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature: Delali Adjoa, The Free Verse Society. Peachtree Teen/Peachtree Publishing. Elana K. Arnold, Holloway. Clarion Books/HarperCollins Publishers. A. Chan, The Celestial Seas. Viking Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House Tae Keller, When Tomorrow Burns. Random House Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House. Keala Kendall, That Which Feeds Us: A Hawaiian Gothic.
Margaret Atwood's Reimagined 'For the Birds' To Publish in Spring 2027
Magic Cat signs two-time Booker Prize winner Margaret Atwood for major illustrated middle-grade book. Margaret Atwood’s forgotten gem, For the Birds, will be published next spring by Magic Cat Publishing through their imprint at Abrams. Originally written almost forty years ago and previously published only in Canada, this newly revised and reimagined edition includes stunning four-color artworks throughout, created by award-winning illustrator Júlia Sardà.
A Players' Advisory Primer
There was “a saboteur” among the Uno players at Carolyn Vibbert’s elementary school games club in Prince William County, MD. The student was creating his own rules and hurting the experience for the other players. Then he would cry if he lost. The school librarian knew she needed a different option. She considered her games collection and the child’s challenges with Uno and what would help make the gaming experience a valuable and positive experience for all the kids.
A Steady Guide through ILS Change
Choosing a new Integrated Library System (ILS)—also known as a library management system—is a big decision for any school district. But once the decision is made, another important question comes into focus: What happens next? For school libraries, implementation involves much more than moving data from one system to another.
Nashville KIPP Schools Remove LGBTQIA+ Titles | Censorship News
Nashville School Pulls LGBTQIA+ Books After Christian Teacher Was Disciplined for Refusing To Read One | WFMD The Tennessee Star reported that, according to the First Liberty Institute—a nonprofit legal organization—the 10 Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) schools in Nashville have taken out books that include same-sex marriage.
SLJ Reviews EBSCO's Biography Reference Ultimate Database
URL about.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/biography-reference-ultimate Grade Level 6 up Cost Subscription-based. Pricing is determined by institution size and access model and can be requested through an EBSCO representative.
Two Charming Chapter Books About Animal Hotels That Young Readers Will Want to Visit
Young readers will be happy to come stay at these animal hotels with titles that add heart and high jinks to two endearing transitional series. Young readers will be happy to come stay at these animal hotels with titles that add heart and high jinks to two endearing transitional series. George, Kallie. A Brave Beginning. illus. by Stephanie Graegin. 208p. (Heartwood Hotel: Bk. 6). Little, Brown. Oct. 2026. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780316567763.
School Districts Grapple with AI Policies
What happens if we place a drop of red dye into a beaker of clear water? Do we have clear water plus a spot of red dye? Obviously not. We have a new coloration to every molecule of water.
Calling on Advocates to Respond to FCC’s Proposed Throttling of E-Rate
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, calling for a major review of the E-Rate program. E-Rate, under which eligible schools, libraries, and consortia may apply for discounted telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections services, was established under the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Using Zines To Collaborate Across Subjects
At Old Orchard Beach High School in Orchard Beach, ME, librarian Michael Lewis uses zines to get more engagement from students and collaborate with teachers across subjects. The small DIY booklets allow students to express themselves and see and show their knowledge. “It’s a really great way to carry the things you’ve learned,” he says. “It’s a great way to show everybody what you’ve learned.” Lewis likes to join them when he can. “My favorite teacher was a chef I worked for,” says Lewis.
Building Curiosity: A Makerspace Primer
Key considerations and advice for starting a school makerspace. Photos courtesy of Shannon Miller School libraries have always been places where curiosity begins. Long before educators used terms like makerspace, innovation lab, design thinking, or STEM lab, school librarians were inviting students to ask questions, solve problems, create, collaborate, and share what they learned.
NAACP Files Complaint Against Arizona District; Turning Point USA Challenges Books in Texas
NAACP To File Complaint After Arizona District Pulls Books on People of Color from K–8 Classes | KTAR The West Valley NAACP is taking action after Peoria Unified in Glendale, AZ, cut Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave by Douglass; A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry; and Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall from grades K–8.
Los Angeles Public Library Exhibits the World’s Largest Pop-Up Book
Above: Luceros y Penumbras: The World's Largest Pop-Up Book opened to the tree designed by artist Daniel González. Below: González's rendition of the Central Library building. Photos by Joshua White/jwpictures.com Pop-up books provide fun and surprises at each turn of the page. Imagine if the book opened to an 11-foot-high pop-up creation.
‘Little Blue Truck Lost and Found’ by Alice Schertle Tops Holds Lists | Book Pulse
Little Blue Truck Lost and Found by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jim McElmurry, leads holds this week. Also in demand are titles by Jamie Smart, Alex Aster, Ryan T. Higgins, and Adam Cesare. The 2026 ILA’s Children’s and Young Adult Book Award winners are announced. People presents an exclusive excerpt from Hazel Cross’s upcoming vampire paranormal romance, Roses & Ruin. Want to get the latest book news delivered to your inbox?
Back-to-School: Six Library Stories for 2026-27
Facing the challenges of another school year, these librarians and district leaders have set priorities and mapped out the road ahead. llustration by Shaw Nielsen Here we go again, into the unknown adventure of another school year. Even for veteran educators, every time they head back to school, there is a chance to walk an unchartered path, explore new opportunities, and forge stronger relationships along the way.
Breast cancer exposed the lack of care I receive for Long COVID
Heather Hogan / The Sick Times. Source: Pexels If you asked me two years ago what Long COVID took from me, I would have said words, the ability to walk up hills and carry groceries without needing an inhaler, and the previously unappreciated freedom to move about society without masking and fear of reinfection. But late afternoon on December 24, 2024, my gynecologist called to break some unexpected news. The results of the second mammogram were not good. I needed to make a biopsy appointment ASAP.
‘Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2’ by Jeff Kinney Tops Holds Lists | Book Pulse
Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2 by Jeff Kinney tops holds lists. Also in demand are titles by Ben Clanton, Jasmine Smith, Marissa Eller, and Catherine Barr. SLJ shares the most highly anticipated picture books of fall 2026. YA Book Club’s August pick is The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li. People reveals the cover of Barbra Streisand’s first children’s book. Want to get the latest book news delivered to your inbox?
SLJ Reviews ABC-CLIO's Women’s History in the United States Database
URL home.mackin.com/digital/databases/abc-clio/ Grade Level Gr 6 Up Cost Contact ABC-CLIO for a customized quote. Overview and Content Women’s History in the United States database is a comprehensive digital resource designed to highlight the contributions, experiences, and impact of women throughout American history. This database provides curated, reputable content that supports both curricular needs and independent research in the library.
Artist, Author, Editor Christopher Myers Creates a Sacred, Quiet Place in 'Night Ride'
How did Night Ride (Penguin/Kokila) begin? Was there a first image, memory, route, or question that inspired it? Every book starts with a question, a thing I’m trying to answer. I’ve been obsessing over the amount of noise in the world, the news, wars, social media, buzz of cellphones, drone of AI. The question I have is “Where has all the quiet gone?” Because I think we need quiet. Quiet is the home of imagination, of breath, of care.
Power & Wonder: Highly Anticipated Picture Books for Fall 2026
From the pages of Night Ride by Christopher Myers Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers Picture books arrive this fall from Patagonia and Tripoli, from Pacific Northwest papercut forests to city streets lit through stained glass. They return again and again to questions of inheritance, make room for biography and history, and even chronicle the stubborn comedy of a vertical crocodile and a horizontal crocodile who are friends.
Researchers Seek School Librarians Input on Cell Phone Policy
Academic researchers have been collecting data on the impact of cell phone policies in schools across the country, and now they need a little help from school librarians. Phones In Focus is an ongoing research initiative seeking insight from librarians and their fellow educators.
Remembering Benjamin Alire Sáenz and His Work
Groundbreaking Latine author Benjamin Alire Sáenz died on July 28. His YA debut Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood (Cinco Puntos, 2006), was the first novel with Latine protagonists that I read when I began working in publishing. Its lyrical prose and luminous characters made me fall in love with YA. Benjamin Alire Sáenz was an author of poetry and prose for adults and teens. He was the first Hispanic winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and a recipient of the American Book Award for his books for adults.
Vermont Librarian Uses Read-Alouds To Connect with Immigrant Students
Photos courtesy of Matt Gile As the 2025–26 school year came to a close, a graduating senior came to Winooski (VT) School District librarian Matt Gile to share a memory. Having arrived in the Vermont refugee resettlement community not knowing any English, the Somali student didn’t know what to make of the tall, white man gathering students for story time in the library.
Cardboard Creations Bring Safe Fun, Fine Motor Skills to Makerspace
A young patron is helped cutting cardboard with the ChompSaw. Photos courtesy of the St Mary’s County Library The makerspace at the Lexington Park Branch of St. Mary’s County (MD) Library officially opens this summer, but maker activities and programs will not be new to young patrons. Nearly three years ago, St. Mary’s County Library youth services coordinator Jill Hutchinson and Lexington Park branch manager Amy Ford met with people from the local public schools about early childhood learning.
'Heart of the Ruby Dragon' by Tracey West Tops Holds Lists | Book Pulse
Heart of the Ruby Dragon by Tracey West leads holds this week. Also in demand are titles by Dav Pilkey, Kari Lavelle, Anna Bright, and Maddy Mara. People reports author Benjamin Alire Sáenz has died at the age of 71. The 38th annual Eisner Awards were announced. USA Today exclusively announces Becky Albertalli’s upcoming YA romance. Want to get the latest book news delivered to your inbox?
The Work Continues: Literacy-based anti-racist camps mark 10 years
Young attendees listen to a read-aloud at one of the first we are anti-racism camp sessions in 2016. Photo courtesy of Ronda Taylor Bullock Over the last 10 years, the nonprofit organization we are—a Durham, NC–based organization that runs a literacy-focused anti-racism summer camp and educational workshops—has given nearly 7,000 books that emphasize race, identity, skin color, and activism to campers in first through fifth grade.
NYPL Expanding AI Literacy Efforts
Google.org has awarded a $3 million grant to Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL) to help the systems expand artificial intelligence (AI) literacy programming for staff and the public. All three systems offer extensive digital literacy programming to patrons, including thousands of classes and workshops at branches across the city.
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