Book Review of the Week: ‘Wake Now in the Fire’

For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Sarah Hunter’s review of “Wake Now in the Fire,” written by Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by AJ Dungo, first published January 16, 2026, on Booklist Online.

‘How I Library’ Episode 29: Thien Ho

In episode 29 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Thien Ho, District Attorney of Sacramento County, California, whose new book, “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” (Third State Books, 2025), documents the hunt for and prosecution of serial killer Joseph DeAngelo, aka the Golden State Killer.

Booklist Reader: Top 10 Biographies

Booklist’s picks for the 10 best biographies of 2025 feature exceptional individuals who profoundly influenced literature, art, music, entertainment, politics, spycraft, and the long fight for civil rights.

Book Review of the Week: ‘The Age of Calamities’

For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, ALA’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Allison Cho’s review of Senaa Ahmad’s “The Age of Calamities,” first published November 6, 2025, on Booklist Online.

Book Review of the Week: ‘The Old Sleigh’

For our second installment of weekly book reviews from our friends at Booklist, the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Maryann Owen’s review of Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey’s new seasonal favorite for young readers, “The Old Sleigh,” first published in the November 11, 2025, issue of Booklist.

‘How I Library’ Episode 28: Brian Baker

In episode 28 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with musician Brian Baker from legendary punk bands Minor Threat, Bad Religion, and more about his new book of photography, “The Road” (Akashic Books, 2025), the legacy of punk rock, book bans, and, of course, how he libraries.

Booklist Reader: Understanding Propaganda

The banning and censorship of books is often only one part of a wider project to limit access to information. Censorship can go hand-in-hand with political propaganda, which hinges on manipulating peoples’ views and understanding of history and current events. It’s important for kids and teens to recognize propaganda when they see it, and the following works of nonfiction and fiction compiled by Booklist demonstrate when and how propaganda is used, as well as potential consequences of its influence.