Awards season is heating up, along with reader interest in current speculation. Betsy Bird puts it out there in her latest Prediction Edition. As for “Heavy Medal,” they’re on fire, pretty much on schedule.

Of note here, high interest in reading recommendations to honor Latinx Heritage Month/Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15–October 15. So much so that our 2018 booklist is among our most viewed posts of the past week. Too good not to share that here.

1. Newbery/Caldecott 2024: Fall Prediction Edition
   by Betsy Bird
   Committees, I do not envy you your job this year. We just have too many award-worthy books. Someone needs to speak to management about this.
2. Announced: 10 Contenders for the 2023 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
   By SLJ staff
   The National Book Foundation today announced the longlist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Eleven newcomers to the National Book Awards comprise the 2023 class of longlist honorees.
3. 4 YA Series Openers to Have on Your Radar
   By SLJ Reviews
   Full of excitement and intrigue, these noteworthy first books will leave YA readers clamoring for the next installment.
4. 30 Picture Books to Celebrate the Diversity of Latinx Heritage
   By SLJ Reviews
   Read one book a day for Latinx Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, and every month after that. From migration and history to food and family, these works capture the many complexities and joys of the Latinx culture.
5. 27 Middle Grade and YA Latinx Titles for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Beyond
   By Shelley Diaz (Sep 2018)
   If you’re seeking 2018 fictional works about Latinx experiences, look no further.
6. It’s Top Two Time!: Share a pair of books you think have the best chance to win a Newbery so far
   By Steven Engelfried
   The Newbery Medal announcement is still four months away, but it's never too early to start speculating. In today's "Friday Feedback" exercise, we're asking readers to name your current top two Newbery contenders as of mid-September.
7. Librarians Can Play a Key Role Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Schools
   By Andrew Bauld
   AI tools like ChatGPT are advancing by the day. Here's how librarians are using them, plus an overview of valuable AI tools and terms.