For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, ALA’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Philip Zozzaro’s review of Kaitlyn Regehr’s “Smartphone Nation: Building Digital Boundaries When Offline Isn’t an Option,” first published November 4, 2025, on Booklist Online.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our friends at Booklist have compiled a list of true-crime chronicles that portray courageous crime-fighters and illuminate crimes that vary from murder to art-world scandals, stoking our endless curiosity, horror, schadenfreude, and compassion.
Are you looking to start the new year with a new book? The editors at Booklist, the American Library Association’s book review journal, share a wealth of suggestions on the latest episode of their podcast.
PBS Books and Booklist, the book review journal published by the American Library Association (ALA), have joined forces to create the ultimate reading experience for book lovers of all ages everywhere.
Beginning this month, PBS Books content will be featured in Booklist Reader. This new partnership adds a multimedia dimension to the publication, including author interview videos, highlights of online book events and panels, book talks related to PBS series, and more. The collaboration also allows Booklist Reader and PBS Books to further their commitment to highlighting diverse reading recommendations and reinforces libraries as public spaces central to supporting culture, community, and creativity.
“I am proud that PBS Books is launching this exciting partnership with ALA’s Booklist Reader to share with library patrons its important work and significant PBS programming that supports the diversity of our great nation,” said Heather-Marie Montilla, national director of PBS Books. “We are thrilled to engage audiences, deliver quality digital programming, and highlight our dedication to libraries as the critical gathering place of communities.”
George Kendall, Booklist editor and publisher, noted that “the PBS Books partnership ensures that library workers and library patrons can now rely on Booklist Reader to provide the most unique, engaging, impactful, and immersive content experiences for all ages and all communities.”
ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall remarked: “PBS is nationally regarded for producing content that invites its audiences to think critically, while ALA is committed to enhancing education and ensuring access to information for all. That makes for a natural partner.”
The exciting partnership will begin with the May 2023 Booklist Reader issue.
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