If there’s a thread connecting our trending stories of the past seven days, it’s the goodness of school libraries. That may seem like an obvious one, but we’re going with it. 

Consider that one reader, Christine Case, was inspired to share Maisy Card’s piece for SLJ, “School Libraries Are Vital to Black and Latinx Students,” toward helping restore a certified librarian position in her district. “Our demographics fit this bill and the students need as many legs up/support as possible,” Case posted to Twitter.

Another reader was moved by Card’s story, which makes a “morally persuasive” case for libraries as a critical space for Black and Latinx youth.

“This article in @sljournal encapsulates so much of what I value about school libraries. All Ss need a safe space, especially those who find the outside world too often unsafe,” commented Stacy Gilbert (@MamaGilbsLib), a school librarian, on Twitter. 

Following are the most visited posts on SLJ.com:

Librarian’s Devastating Loss Provides Mental Health Lens for Teaching "Romeo and Juliet" 

After her son died by suicide in April, Michelle Oliver collaborated with an English teacher to look at Shakespeare's famous "love story" in a new way and to teach her students about suicide awareness.

Florida DOE Posts Dated, Mostly White Booklist. Twitter Reacts. 

A back-to-school reading list by the Florida Department of Education has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of diverse books, predominance of old titles, and overall lack of relevance to students.

School Libraries Are Vital to Black and Latinx Students  By Maisy Card

Libraries can provide safe spaces from bullying and overpolicing.

New Year, New Books: It's Back to School By Daryl Grabarek

Navigating new places and spaces, meeting teachers, making friends—it's all part of the school experience, and picture books can ease the way.

A Parent Says No to 'Malala' | Scales on Censorship 

Pat Scales weighs in on challenging reading choices, a library clerk who judges reading selections, and a panel on gun violence.

Choosing Kindness: Picture Books to Read Aloud 

Featuring young protagonists and realistic scenarios, these inviting picture books demonstrate how kids can make choices that positively affect their classroom community and beyond.

A School Librarian's Philosophy of Lost Books

Ciro Scardina recalls his personal journey from anxiety to acceptance and enlightenment.