Even More Bookish Masks for Kids, Teens, and Adults
By the LJ and SLJ editors

Now that face masks are the norm for the foreseeable future, the hunt is on for stylish, colorful, uplifting PPE. This week we highlight more of our favorite literary and book-themed masks, including options for Star Wars and Marvel fans, as well as those designed by children's book illustrators. Many are below $12, from independent sellers, and quite a few donate a portion of the proceeds to charitable causes.

Our graphic novel columnist also catches up with Jack Black and Kyle Gass, aka Tenacious D, to hear about their latest artistic endeavor: Post-Apocalypto.

In a reading slump? Check out what our editors are enjoying this month, from heady work on politics and religion to spooky stories for kids.

More Face Masks Kids and Adults Will Want To Stick Their Noses In
By Melanie Kletter
It's back-to-school time, and this year many parents need to shop for face masks as well as notebooks and pencils. For young people (and adults) who love books, movies, comics, and cartoon characters, there are many cool and creative face coverings available. Here are some of our favorites.

Quarantine Developments | What We're Reading, Watching & Reassessing
By Liz French
The “What We’re Reading & Watching” crew looks anew at old favorites, rewatches forgotten series, handles horror, carefully discusses politics, blatantly fangirls Iris Murdoch, tries to love the Babysitters Club, and noshes homemade cheesecake.

Buzz-worthy Books of the Week

• The New Chardonnay: The Unlikely Story of How Marijuana Went Mainstream by Heather Cabot
• Fire in the Blood by Perry O’Brien
• Demystifying Shariah: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It’s Not Taking Over Our Country by Sumbul Ali-Karamali
• A Traveler at the Gates of Wisdom by John Boyne
• Eighty Days to Elsewhere by kc dyer

Pandemic School
By Riley Jensen & Karen Jensen | Teen Librarian Toolbox
A look into the mind of a teen starting her senior year of high school during the pandemic.

Pandemic Reading: Young Readers' Top Ebook and Audiobook Checkouts
By SLJ Staff
In the first two weeks of June, as the 2019-20 school year crawled to a close and the pandemic postponed or canceled graduations, proms, and spring sports, young readers turned to the comfort of trusted authors and old standby series.

LJ Talks to Comedy-Rock Duo Tenacious D | Author Spotlight
By Tom Batten
Jack Black and Kyle Gass, aka Tenacious D, discuss their latest project, a graphic novel that finds the pair wandering a postapocalyptic world ruled by monsters, robots, and hate-mongers.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Author Jeff Kinney Hits the Road for Pandemic Book Tour Adventure
By Kara Yorio
With the release of "Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure," the best-selling author found a way to safely embark on an in-person tour.

Longing and Speech: Nine Major Poetry Collections from Writers Veteran and New
By Barbara Hoffert
The images rushing down these pages in tightly paced cadence take readers on a haunting journey.

Virtual Events Calendar: SLJ’s Roundup of Weekly Book-ish Things
By Kimberly Olson Fakih
The latest new virtual events, geared toward literacy and social change. Daily stops for parents, kids, and educators.