ALA Youth Media Awards

This year's ALA Youth Media Awards are in!! The ALA released their top picks for children and young adults. This includes the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards as well as recognizing the honor books that were considered. Here are some highlights from the awards:

• John Newberry Medal: All the Blues in the Sky, written by Renée Watson

  

  When thirteen-year-old Sage's best friend dies, Sage struggles with grief and feels that she is at fault, but when she joins a grief group, she slowly learns to heal.

  
  
• Randolph Caldecott Medal: Fireworks, illustrated by Cátia Chien and written by Matthew Burgess
  

  

  Part poem, part portable fireworks display with a vertical gatefold, this picture book from the award-winning team of Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien highlights the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly await a spectacular fireworks display. POP!

  
  
• Coretta Scott King Author Book Award: Will’s Race for Home, written by Jewell Parker Rhodes

  

  During the land rush of 1889, African American Will and his father journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to stake their claim.

  
  
• Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award: The Library in the Woods, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey

  

  A Black family maintains a farm in North Carolina until, after the crops are destroyed two years running, Junior’s father moves his wife and son into town. Although the library there excludes Black residents, Junior discovers a log cabin in a forest clearing, where he can borrow three books per visit. This library’s collection includes many books by Black writers.
  

• Coretta Scott King—John Steptoe New Talent Author Award: Under the Neon Lights, written by Arriel Vinson

  

  Sixteen-year-old Jaelyn Coleman lives for Saturdays at WestSide Roll, the iconic neighborhood roller rink. On these magical nights, Jae can lose herself in the music of DJ Sunny, the smell of nachos from the concession, and the crowd of some of her favorite people: old heads, dance crews, and other regulars like herself. Here, Jae and other Black teens can fully be themselves.

• Michael L. Printz Award: Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Set at a classic drive-in restaurant that seems to exist in every Native community, this anthology unites the stories of teens from all kinds of backgrounds through the shared theme of Native joy, with stories and poems reflecting hope, healing, humor, love, friendship, romance, and joy. 

• Schneider Family Book Awards
• Young Child: Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe, written by Amy S. Hansen and Wanda Díaz Merced, illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda Díaz Merced wanted to study the stars. But when she lost her sight, she had to find a new way to work. Through the use of sonification, which turns data into sound, she was able to make a path for herself and other scientists with disabilities.

• Middle Grade: Where Only Storms Grow, written by Alyssa Colman

  

  During the worst storm of the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, twins Howe and Joanna must put their differences aside and work together to save their farm from ruin.

  
  
• Young Adult: Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen, written by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea

  

  From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too)-inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes. Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's point of view, allowing them to see the world through his disabling eye conditions.

  
  
• Pura Belpré Awards
• Children’s Author Award: The Pecan Sheller, written by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

  

  In 1930s San Antonio, after her father's death, thirteen-year-old Petra must quit school to work at a pecan shelling factory where dangerous conditions and low wages push her to take a vital stand for change.

  
  
• Young Adult Author Award: On the Wings of la Noche by Vanessa L. Torres





Death waits for Estrella (Noche) Villanueva. In her human form, she is a lonely science girl grieving the tragic accidental drowning of her girlfriend, Dante Fuentes. At night, she is a Lechuza who visits her dead girlfriend at the lake, desperate for more time with her. The longer Dante's soul roams the earth, the more likely it is that she will fade into the unknown, lost forever, but Noche cannot let go.

• Stonewall Book Award: Halfway to Somewhere, written and illustrated by Jose Pimienta



Ave must adjust to a new country, a new school, and a new family dynamic when their mom and younger brother move to Kansas while their father and older sister stay in Mexico during the parents' divorce.

• William C. Morris Award: All the Noise at Once, written by DeAndra Davis

  

  Aiden has always dreamed of playing football like his star quarterback brother, Brandon. After struggling with an overstimulation meltdown during summer tryouts, Aiden gets a second chance when a spot unexpectedly opens on the team. However, not all teammates are happy with his inclusion, worried about how Aiden's autism will affect the game.
  
  
  

  
  
• YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults: Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown, written by Candace Fleming

  

  A chronicle of one of American history's most notorious cults, a book including first-person accounts follows Jim Jones from humble origins to "Jonestown" in Guyana, South America, and traces his transformation of Peoples Temple into a nefarious experiment in mind control.
  
  
  

To see all the complete list of award winners and honor books, stop here. [American Library Association announces 2026 Youth Media Award winners. ALA website. January 26, 2026.]

The Genius Files - Library Resource Calendar

The Genius Files are back! This week's genius idea came from a suggestion by Waterford's Jessica Keisler: a resource calendar with library-relevant observances, dates, weeks, etc.

She asked for it, so I ran with it! The calendar now includes the following topics:

• Library & Books

• Children & Families

• Nature / Outdoors

• Environment

• Food Fun

• Culture

• Wellness & Kindness

• Movie release dates

• Display Themes

View the calendar here!

This calendar is a work in progress, so if you have ideas to add, please email me at kdavis@prairielakes.info! It will also be up on the PLLS site shortly.

I hope this inspires you! Happy library-ing!

Best,

Kate

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post. 

Whitefish Bay Public Library

Youth Services Librarian (FT)

Due to an internal promotion, the Whitefish Bay Public Library is seeking a full-time Librarian for youth and teen services, with occasional cross-departmental support in Adult Services. This position plays an active role in delivering high-quality library service to children, teens, and families through reference service, programming, collection development, and technology support.

This role is ideal for a librarian who is energized by program development, enjoys connecting with young people, and is excited to create engaging, responsive experiences that reflect community interests and emerging trends in youth services.

40 hours per week; typically, one evening per week and one weekend per month. Additional evenings and weekends as needed due to programs, vacation/sick coverage for other staff

Starting hourly wage: 

• MLIS $24.00+, depending on experience
• Graduating with MLIS within 12 months $18.00+, depending on experience

Full job description and application available here.

Closing Date: 

• 2/4/2026 11:59 PM Central

If you recently applied for the Head of Youth Services position, you are welcome to apply for this position by emailing Library Director, Nyama Reed an updated cover letter related to the new posting. 

 

Horicon Public Library 

Youth Services and Programming Librarian (PT 20 hours/week)

The Horicon Public Library seeks an energetic, creative candidate passionate about serving children and young adults. The ideal candidate enjoys engaging with people of all ages, building community partnerships, is comfortable with technology and adapting to innovations, and is well organized. A successful candidate works collaboratively while also making independent decisions and taking initiative to increase the library's value to the community.

Job duties include, but are not limited to: providing customer assistance at the circulation desk, conducting storytimes and youth and teen programs, marketing library services, and assisting with maintaining the library's social media accounts.

This position is 20 hours per week. Hours include days, two evenings per week, and one Saturday per month. The full job description for this position is available here. 

This position includes 20 hours of paid vacation per year. New hires receive prorated vacation.

Required:

• Two years of study at an accredited college, university, or technical school, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficient keyboarding and computer skills

Preferred:

• Experience planning and executing programs
• Experience working with children and young adults

The starting wage is $15.50, with a $0.50 raise after a successful 6-month probationary period.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a City of Horicon application form to Library Director, Alexandra Harvancik, by email at alex@monarchlibraries.org. Open until filled.

McHenry Public Library District

Youth Services Library Associate - Bilingual Services (PT 25 hrs/week)

Do you enjoy working with Hispanic communities? ¿Disfruta haciendo conexiones con los niños y sus familias? If you can say “sí” to these, we have the position for you!

The McHenry Public Library District seeks a bilingual, collaborative, and service-oriented professional to join our Youth Services Team. The ideal candidate for this position will support our Library’s mission by assisting Spanish-speaking patrons in the library. The primary responsibilities of the position include assisting the Questions Desk, translating materials for programs, services, and collections, performing bilingual outreach to area schools and organizations, and planning and executing bilingual programming that is educational, entertaining, enriching, and culturally relevant for our Hispanic population (ages 18 and under and for families). 

This position may have the opportunity to select some materials for the Youth collection. The skills required for this position are excellent interpersonal skills, fluency in both verbal and written English and Spanish, a flexible presentation style, and the ability to adapt to the Library’s technology needs. 

The salary range for this position is $17.00-$19.57/hour, depending on qualifications.

Full jobs description and application available here. 

Tips and Info from DPI's January 22, 2026 Youth Services Newsletter

 Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is an email newsletter chockfull of great resources we've come to rely on. If you are a WI youth library staffer and you don't receive this weekly missive in your email inbox, please contact Jeni (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) to be placed on the list!

Here is the January 22, 2026 edition:

 

Hello All,  Check out these youth services weekly resources and reminders!  Money Smart Week (April 4-11, 2026) Kids Read Program  The Money Smart Kids Read Program, targeted at kids ages 5 to 8 years old, is an enjoyable way to introduce financial responsibility to youth through programming at your library. Each family attending a Money Smart Week Program gets to take home a FREE copy of this year’s book, What Can I Buy?, written by Julie Moriarity.  Steps to Participate:  Complete this form by January 30, 2026, to request the number of books you will distribute to families at your library.   Plan a program for kids and/or families.  Hold the program to discuss good money habits with kids and families during Money Smart Wisconsin Week.   Visit Money Smart Wisconsin for more information.  CSLP Annual Slogan (2029) and Theme (2030) Survey  The Collaborative Summer Library Program survey is open! Please take a moment to fill out the survey and make your recommendations for the 2029 Slogan (for the Nature theme) and the 2030 Theme.   This survey is open to all libraries in the country, so please feel free to share it with staff at your library.  The deadline to submit your recommendations is Monday, February 2, 2026.  Building Community Based Summers CSLP Spring Cohort application open!  The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a third national cohort of Building Community Based Summers in Spring 2026.  BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The spring 2026 cohort will gather for online learning sessions once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks in March-April 2026.   There is no charge to participate. The application period is open through Monday, January 26, 2026.  Big Impact, Small Budget: After-School Ideas That Cost Next to Nothing (WebJunction)  Discover how one librarian launched a thriving after-school program from the ground up with less than $100 a year. Learn how to tap into community partnerships, think outside the box, and turn your library into the go-to after-school hub for enrichment, creativity, and connection.  The pre-recorded webinar is FREE to all Wisconsin library staff. You will need to create a free account to access the recording. Click on the link above and scroll down to “view webinar recording” to create an account or to sign in.  Library Applicants Sought for Pulitzer Exhibition  The American Library Association Public Programs Office and the Pulitzer Prizes have announced an opportunity for public libraries, including tribal and state libraries, to host the traveling exhibit Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower, and Inspire. The exhibit is an initiative of Pulitzer on the Road, a public outreach series launched in 2023 to feature the journalists and authors honored by the annual prizes.    Eighteen libraries will be chosen as tour stops for Pulitzer on the Road, and the exhibit will continue throughout 2027 and 2028. Each library will host the 1,400-square-foot exhibit for about six weeks and will receive publicity materials, media training, support from ALA and the Pulitzer Prizes, and $3,000 to provide public programs during the show.   Project guidelines are available now, and applications are due by March 27.   Jeni Schomber  Public Library Consultant  The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only.  Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Throw-it Thursday: What the Manga?!

Ashley Borman, Technical Services Librarian at the Clintonville (WI) Public Library, is back with another collection development column.

We recently separated our manga books from our graphic novels and gave them their own collection. It was not a terribly difficult process (unless your tech services department likes to be difficult, then it might get a little dicey), mostly because the collection is not overly large to begin with.

First, I ran a collection report to see all the books we had in our graphic novel collection. Then I went to the shelf and grabbed the books that were checked in and clearly manga. I took these back to my desk (it’s so much easier when you are the tech services department and you are the one who wants to create the collection!) and re-coded and re-labeled them. We got manga stickers to use instead of graphic novel stickers.

After I finished changing all of the books that were on the shelf, I went through the items on the list that were not on the shelf (checked out, in transit, lost, etc.) and placed holds on all of the items I knew were manga or thought might be manga. As they come back, I am re-labeling them and sticking them in their new section if that is where they belong.

Our new manga collection is small but beautiful!

The graphic novel section is now smaller, but it is easier to find things!

Midday Mingle Alert - Teens!!!

Image by cottonbro studio from Pexels

We've got another Midday Mingle on the horizon! We are calling all youth services folk across the state serving the niche (sometimes elusive) but oh-so rewarding audience of teens. Many of us are flying solo in teen services, let's get together to program swap and connect!

Join us on Monday, February 23 at 1:00 PM (Zoom Link) to chat about teen services - specifically programming.  We will round table topics like:

• What's working for you
• Most successful program in the last year
• Upcoming program you are excited about
• What was a bust
• Back pocket program (programs you always have ready to go if needed)
• Passive programs/activities
• Teen spaces
• set up/what's available
• rules
• do you work/program in them
• And anything else you'd like to discuss - the conversation will be driven be the attendees and go wherever is most useful to you!

Anyone is welcome at the Midday Mingle! You do not have to be a member of YSS or WLA.

 

Time: Feb 23, 2026 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Zoom Link 

 

Can't wait to chat with you all! 

Midday Mingles happen quarterly – expect to see several throughout 2026! Do you have suggestions/requests for our next topic? Let us know in the comments or email kalford@menomonee-falls.org.

Meet Christopher Roubique @ Oak Creek Public Library!

Photo provided by M. Dietrich

The Oak Creek Public Library will be hosting Wisconsin author Christopher Roubique for the launch of his debut middle grade book Mythspeaker, on Thursday, February 26^th at 6:30p.m.

 

Registration is highly recommended. https://events.getlocalhop.com/meet-oak-creek-author-christopher-roubique/event/Y7HaBFPDHf/

 

A little about the book….

 

Perfect for middle-grade readers ages 8-12 years, Mythspeaker will be published by Viking Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House. For fans of Race to the Sun and the Aru Shah series, this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology follows a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist in order to save the world!

 

A little about the author….

 

Christopher Roubique grew up in rural Wisconsin and filled his time—and his heart—with the joys of fantasy and science fiction. His own books leap from those same joys, folding in his Cajun and Indigenous heritage, passion for mental health, and plenty of fantastical creatures. He lives in Oak Creek and has squeezed his wife and daughter beside all those stories in his heart too.

Tips and Info from DPI's January 15, 2026 Youth Services Newsletter

 Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is an email newsletter chockfull of great resources we've come to rely on. If you are a WI youth library staffer and you don't receive this weekly missive in your email inbox, please contact Jeni (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) to be placed on the list!

Here is the January 15, 2026 edition:

 

 

Hello All,  Check out these youth services weekly resources and reminders!  Building Community Based Summers CSLP Spring Cohort application open!  The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a third national cohort of Building Community Based Summers in Spring 2026.  BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The spring 2026 cohort will gather for online learning sessions once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks in March-April 2026.   There is no charge to participate. The application period is open through Monday, January 26, 2026.  CSLP Unearth a Story 2026 Manual Highlights Recording  Dig into some 2026 manual highlights and unearth some exciting programs, ideas, and adaptations for next summer!  View highlights video here!  View the highlights slides  Play Make Learn 2026 Conference: Call for Proposals  You are invited to submit a proposal to present at the 2026 Play Make Learn Conference (PML). The conference is a place for collaboration and discovery in the design, research and practice of playful learning, games for learning and positive social impact, making and makerspaces, STEAM education, and arts in education. PML creates an inspirational space for educators, designers, developers, innovators, librarians, museum professionals, makers, and researchers of all kinds to tinker together, share knowledge, and celebrate one another’s work.  Call for Proposals Deadline for Submissions: March 9, 2026, at 11:59PM Central  Submit Your Proposal Here: go.wisc.edu/PMLsubmit  STARnet Science Across America  As America celebrates its 250-year anniversary, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and STAR Net have launched a new campaign to help libraries highlight the history of scientific achievement in our country, and the local connections to science in our communities. SCIENCE ACROSS AMERICA, the newest campaign from Spark of Science@ My Library, invites libraries to showcase local scientific advances and scientists, engage your communities with focused Community Dialogues, and host educational and inspirational activities that shine a light on the past, present, and future of science in our lives.  The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, January 23, 2026. For more information, visit the STARnet Community blog post.    Jeni Schomber  Public Library Consultant  The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only. Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov