YALSA

YALSA builds the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens.
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For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa. YALSA aims to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives.

08/29/2026

The Stories We Tell Each Other with Brad Barkley

We sat down with Brad Barkley to discuss the transformative power of great books, the “funny-sad” nature of his works for young adults, and the importance of not sweeping life under the rug.

We sat down with Brad Barkley to discuss the transformative power of great books, the “funny-sad” nature of his works for young adults, and the importance of not sweeping life under the rug.

08/19/2026

Amazing Audiobooks ( ) Featured Review: Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet

Four heavy hitting narrators bring the story to life with pitch perfect renditions of the March sisters....

Four heavy hitting narrators bring the story to life with pitch perfect renditions of the March sisters.

08/11/2026

With advocates like Paris Hilton demanding an end to the Troubled Teen Industry, this timely issue is front and center.

Looking for an accessible read to put in young readers' hands? Check out our featured review of Bad Kid: My Life as a "Troubled Teen."

Let us know what you think in comments below!

The artwork is clear and gripping, and shows the emotion and frustration of Sofia and her fellow bad kids as they move from program to program.

08/10/2026

Want to reach a reluctant reader? Put a novel-in-verse in their hands.

They’re fast, inviting, and exceptionally meaningful reads.

Check out our featured review of Expanse of Blue + quick links to our personal interview with the author here!

Don't forget to like, share, and comment to let us know what you think!

Readers will genuinely feel that Aouli is a real person–she just leaps off the page.

08/08/2026

We are so excited to launch a brand-new series on the blog: Teen Book Reviews! From plot twists to main character energy, our youth reviewers are breaking down books written for them, directly from their perspective.

First up: Faduma O. gives us the honest scoop on Fake Skating by Lynn Painter. Does it live up to the hype?

Check out the review to find out!

Fake Skating By Lynn Painter Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Published: September 30, 2025 ISBN: 9781665921268 The characters have amazing banter and tension that a reader would enjoy.…

07/27/2026

2027 Best Fiction for Young Adults Spring Round-Up

At the end of the year, each team will choose the final list of nominations and determine the Selected List’s Top Ten from these titles....

At the end of the year, each team will choose the final list of nominations and determine the Selected List’s Top Ten from these titles.

07/18/2026

“This My Great Great Gatsby” with LeUyen Pham (Resharing with more content!)

We sat down with award-winning author/artist LeUyen Pham to discuss art for picture books versus graphic novels, the power of artwork as a storyteller, and the many intricate layers of meaning in her latest work, As I Dream of You (with Jennifer Lee). Find As I Dream of You from First Second!...

We sat down with award-winning author/artist LeUyen Pham to discuss art for picture books versus graphic novels, the power of artwork as a storyteller, and the many intricate layers of meaning in h…

07/07/2026

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers ( ) Feature Review: King of Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin

Told through a mix of engaging freestyle verse, humorous observations, and thoughtful interactions with parents and friends, Goodwin has created a compelling protagonist that teens will either root for or relate to....

Told through a mix of engaging freestyle verse, humorous observations, and thoughtful interactions with parents and friends, Goodwin has created a compelling protagonist that teens will either root…

06/30/2026

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers ( ) Feature Review: Truth is by Hannah V. Sawyerr

and multiple choice lists, this novel in verse keeps the pages turning quickly. Readers will be drawn into Truth’s predicament and her struggle to forge her own path when everything and (mostly) everyone seems to be against her....

and multiple choice lists, this novel in verse keeps the pages turning quickly. Readers will be drawn into Truth’s predicament and her struggle to forge her own path when everything and (mostly) e…

06/26/2026

If I Had Books Like These: With Kimberly Behre Kenna

We sat down with author Kimberly Behre Kenna to discuss hard conversations for kids, writing as a form of therapy, and the ways literature can support kids experiencing difficult life circumstances....

We sat down with author Kimberly Behre Kenna to discuss hard conversations for kids, writing as a form of therapy, and the ways literature can support kids experiencing difficult life circumstances…

Address

225 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 1300
Chicago, IL
60601

Website

http://www.ala.org/yalsa, http://www.ala.org/teenread, http://www.ala.org/teentechweek, http://www.ala.org/teenstopten,

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