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.
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.
For our first installment of our “Book Review of the Week” feature, we have a new review of Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Caputo’s “Wandering Souls and Other Stories,” first published in the December 1, 2025, issue of Booklist.
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.
In episode 27 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with two writers who capture unique aspects of the Indigenous American experience in their work: Kyle Edwards, author of “Small Ceremonies,” and Angeline Boulley, author of “Sisters in the Wind.” They join the show to discuss their books, the importance of telling the stories of Indigenous peoples, book bans, and how they library.
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has announced its Best Books of 2025, a list of 225 titles curated by NYPL staff. More than 80 librarians work on the lists each year, reading thousands of titles to develop each list. They look for literary excellence and originality, as well as titles they believe will appeal to patrons.
Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz is a storyteller, author, and curandera who presents frequently around the country on traditional healing practices, culinary medicine, folk herbalism, and Native American food sovereignty. We sat down with her to discuss her picture book for kids, “Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita,” her work as a curandera, book bans, and her love of libraries.
Author Raj Tawney (“Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” “All Mixed Up”) finds new friends and community amongst his peers at the 2025 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.
Native women have been leaders throughout history. From ballerinas to congresswomen and from tribal leaders to scientists, these strong role models have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. The following picture books and early-reader chapter books compiled by ALA’s Booklist offer a glimpse into the strength, courage, tenacity, and fierce compassion embodied by this broad range of people.
In a special Halloween episode of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Jerry Drake, author of “Hazel Was a Good Girl: Solving the Murder that Inspired Twin Peaks.”
