The Spine

06/16/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jane Yolen. Jane was the beloved author of 450 books including the Caldecott Medal-winning Owl Moon and the powerful, groundbreaking novel The Devil's Arithmetic. In addition to her prolific career as an author, Jane was also a generous mentor to many writers and illustrators and a true champion of children’s literature. She has made a huge impact on the world of children’s books and on all of us at Penguin Young Readers who worked on Jane's spectacular titles.

Photo courtesy of Heidi Stemple

06/13/2026

We'll be there. See you soon

06/12/2026

Fired Rutherford County Library System Director Luanne James won a "Freedom to Read Award" for refusing to move over 100 children's LGBTQIA books. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Keri Lambert, vice president of Rutherford County Library Alliance

06/10/2026

Come see us on Saturday!

Happy 🐫 Day! It is Wednesday, which means it's all downhill from here to this Saturday at RuCo Pride! Prepare your taste buds for greatness with these favorite flavors:

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal (GF)

Coconut w/ Key Lime Glaze

NSFW Triple Chocolate Chip

Rainbow Sprinkle Vanilla

Snickerdoodles (V)

Strawberry Lemon Mashup (VGF)

TN Whiskey Walnut Chocolate Chip

*GF - made with Gluten Free ingredients

*V - made with Vegan ingredients

*VGF - made with Vegan AND Gluten Free ingredients

06/04/2026

Tomorrow! Bring your own tote bag. Each pound of books is $5. We have the shelf ready, are you ready?

06/03/2026

✨Congratulations to our hero Luanne James!✨

🌈 PFLAG Greeneville, TN chapter is presenting their “Freedom to Read” award in honor of her willingness to stand up for children’s rights to read, learn, and understand at great risk to herself and her career.

🏆 PFLAG Greeneville president Wendy Ritchey will present this award to Luanne James on Sunday, June 7th at 12 pm at The Spine Bookshop with members from the RCLA board present.

Let our hero know in the comments below how proud we are of her! ⬇️