Oh MG News

What’s Going on at SLJ?

By on August 1, 2025   /   Oh MG News  
Blue background, white letters: SLJ

For over 70 years, School Library Journal (SLJ) has prided itself on being “the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens.” As a professional resource, its magazine and website are relied upon by librarians and educators who want to stay informed about book reviews, literacy, best practices, and education policy.

 

July Lay-Offs

That’s why it was big news when, in late July, parent company Media Source, Inc. (MSI) laid off Kathy Ishizuka, Editor in Chief, and Rebecca T. Miller, Group Publisher of SLJ and two related publications, Library Journal and Hornbook. Ishizuka has been with the company since 2020, and Miller has worked there since 1998. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “MSI provided no rationale for the layoffs of Ishizuka and Miller.”

 

MSI reports that this change will facilitate their broader work to increase the visibility and impact of libraries. There is also a plan to provide professional development that will equip librarians to become leaders and advocates in challenging times.

 

Leadership

Robert Gogel, President & CEO of MSI, told SLJ, “As libraries continue to evolve, our role is to inform and empower them. Our goal is not only to help librarians meet the needs of their communities, but also to elevate the visibility, impact, and enduring importance of libraries in society. We’re committed to investing in the platforms, content, and leadership that help librarians anticipate change, advocate for their communities, and inspire lifelong readers.” 

 

Former editor in chief of Library Journal Hallie Rich has been named Editorial Director of both  LJ and SLJ. She will be responsible for content development and editorial strategy. Elissa Gershowitz will remain Editor in Chief of The Horn Book.

 

Looking Ahead

With a new school year on the horizon, we’ll watch the changes play out. Will the company be able to balance its advocacy efforts with its support of literacy and best practices? Will librarians feel better supported when facing book challenges and bans? Will the magazine and website continue to provide highly respected reviews of new books? 

 

Time will tell.

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Summer Book Project: Show Up #ForOurLibraries

By on July 1, 2025   /   Oh MG News  

All of us — authors, educators, parents/caregivers, engaged, curious citizens, and of course, readers — have benefitted from America’s libraries. Libraries are the beating heart of our communities, doing everything from hosting events, offering free resources, helping us research, creating special spaces for kids, and being a safe place we can all gather together.

Show Up For Our Libraries

Libraries are also all-too vulnerable to budget cuts, and they desperately need the support of each and every one of us. This summer, do you have five minutes to take on one or more suggested activities to Show Up #ForOurLibraries? Here are ways to help, from quick, five-minutes-or-less actions or bigger swings:

EveryLibrary.org suggests:

  • Attend library board and city council meetings so you can weigh in on important matters related to your local library.
  • Run for the library board.
  • Raise awareness by sharing news about your local library on social media and with your social circle.
  • Sign up for the EveryLibrary email list to keep abreast of the latest library news.

The American Library Association (ALA) suggests:

Libraries have been there for us. Now let’s make sure we’re there for them!

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Reasons and Resources for Reading in June

By on June 3, 2025   /   Oh MG News  
person reading while sitting on a stack of books

June has arrived, a month with many great reasons to read. This edition of OhMG News provides resources to help you find some June-tastic middle grade books!

Rainbow flag representing Pride Month

Pride Month: LGBTQ Reads

First of all, June is Pride Month. Sharing books is a great way to recognize the contributions and promote the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ Reads is a go-to resource for showcasing and sharing LGBTQ+ literature. Their middle grade selections can be searched by characters, age, state, or theme, and they even have a book list dedicated to kids with queer parents.

Does your middle grade reader like solving mysteries? Maybe they’ll enjoy Drew Laclair Gets a Clue by Katlyn Bury. Is your reader into sports? Try Crushing It by Erin Becker. Maybe you’d like to help normalize same-sex parents through representation in books. Check out Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake. These are just a few of the selections found on this site.

 

people holding signs in support of immigrants

National Immigrant Heritage Month: New York Historical

Perhaps a lesser known fact is that June is also National Immigrant Heritage Month. Are you looking for a way to combat hateful messages and teach kids about the contributions of immigrants? Would you like to find inspiring kids’ fiction centering around characters who are immigrants? The New York Historical Society Museum and Library is ready to help.

As part of a book club project, this group has put together a suggested reading list of middle grade literature that portrays the immigrant experience. This list includes award-winning fiction like Enrique Flores-Galbis’s 90 Miles to Havana and empathy-building stories like Donna Jo Napoli’s The King of Mulberry Street. Check out these and other great books on New York Historical’s list.

 

globe surrounded by handprints to represent world refugee day

World Refugee Day: The Hornbook

It is also significant to note that June 20 is World Refugee Day. The Hornbook has created a list of suggested middle grade books to commemorate this occasion. Set in 1961, Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas chronicles the experience of a Cuban boy’s separation from loved ones and adjustment to life in Miami. Orange for the Sunsets by Tina Athaide tells the story of 12-year-old best friends torn apart by the Indian expulsion period in 1972 Uganda. Find these and other meaningful middle grade books on The Hornbook’s list.

 

boy wearing headphones

Audiobook Appreciation Month: Libro.fm

Finally, June is also Audiobook Appreciation Month. Yes, listening is reading, and Libro.fm’s middle grade library is filled with listen-worthy books. Looking for suspense? Try In the Shadow of the Dark Watchers by L.A. Harvey. Interested in reading the book before seeing the movie? Listen to the The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.

Whether listening individually or sharing an audiobook on long car rides, Libro.fm has some great middle grade selections available. And what better time to enjoy them than Audiobook Appreciation Month?

 

Start summer off with some great middle grade books that raise awareness, provide entertainment, and help promote a more tolerant and inclusive world!

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