top 40 YA novels

Anna Fitzpatrick writes: “In the past decade, young adult literature has gone from a loosely defined term describing books marketed to teenagers to a cultural force that has spawned blockbuster hits. Trying to decide on the most essential books in the genre is a bit like trying to empty the ocean using a thimble. We’ve parsed through hundreds of stories about dystopian societies, supernatural love triangles, awkward first crushes, and many a mixed-tape featuring the Smiths to bring you this core collection of classic staples and overlooked gems.” more...  Rolling Stone, May 22 as cited in ALA Direct, May 28.

Cool Momma Zola

time capsules take students back to the 1960s

In 1967, the Vietnam War, miniskirts, and space travel were on the minds of 8th-grade students at Hermosa Middle School in Farmington, New Mexico. Forty-seven years ago, the students mentioned those topics in letters they wrote to a future generation. School Librarian Lola Delaney found the letters while cleaning the school’s library.  - ALA Direct, 05/14/14.  Check out the full article here.  What would you leave in your letter to future generations?

summer reading book lists

ALSC's Quicklists Consulting Committee has updating our Summer Reading Lists with new and exciting titles!
The lists are full of book titles to keep children engaged in reading throughout the summer.  Three Summer Reading book lists are available for K-2^nd, 3^rd- 5^th and 6^th-8^th grade students.

Each list is available below to download for free in color and black and white.  Lists can be customized to include library information, summer hours and summer reading programs for children before making copies available to schools and patrons.


K - 2nd grade ( Color | B&W )
3rd - 5th grade ( Color | B&W )
6th - 8th grade ( Color | B&W )

meet alex blumenthal

Alex is from Salisbury, North Carolina and is a 5th grader at Overton Elementary School. His video (below) details the essential value of libraries to him and all of North Carolina.

“My name is Alex Blumenthal and I am a fifth grader at Overton Elementary School in Salisbury, NC. I have 1 twin brother, 2 dogs and 3 horses.

My hobbies include theater, reading, playing my trumpet and being active in Boy Scouts. I really enjoy technology and am efficient in the making of Imovies. I love school and am looking forward to middle school next year.

My favorite extra-curricular activity has been Elementary Battle of the Books because it has given me some of my best friends. I love to read because it can take me places I’ve never been and help me feel like I am doing things I’ve never done.

Going to Washington DC to rally Congress about the importance of libraries is one of the most important things I’ve done this year.”

summer reading is almost here!

Registration begins Monday, May 12th!  Let's get ready for another great summer!