It’s a never-ending dilemma: how to get overworked high school students to read for pleasure. Too often, teens associate reading with mandatory curriculum books. The Scarlet Letter, A Tale of Two Cities, Things Fall Apart. . . though some teens… Read More ›
At the 2018 School Library Journal Summit in Brooklyn, I had the privilege of hearing George Takei talk about his childhood experiences in Japanese-American Internment Camps during World War II. The talk was timed for his forthcoming graphic novel for… Read More ›
Recently, I was able to attend my state library conference, the MAME Conference, for the first time. While there we heard from speakers like Colby Sharp, John Shu, and author Jewels Rhodes Parker. Needless to say, it was two days… Read More ›
As school librarians, we know that literacy has the power to transform lives because we see that power realized every day in our students. We know it because that power informs our practice, our professional standards, and—as the articles in… Read More ›
In my state of Virginia, I am very fortunate to be a member of the state librarian’s association—the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL). As the old American Express commercial used to say, “Membership has its privileges.” Possibly the most… Read More ›
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? A trip to the pristine beaches of Hawaii sounds nice. The view of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu mountain is breathtaking. Perhaps you long to… Read More ›
One of the things I’ve struggled with as a high school librarian is makerspaces. At my large suburban high school, students have ample opportunities to take STEM/STEAM-related classes that allow them to create the types of projects they might make… Read More ›
Through the hustle and bustle of the ending semester and winter holidays approaching, I can’t help but think of next semester. I’m a planner. This time of year I begin to plan activities and collaborations, New Year’s Resolutions, and advocacy… Read More ›
This year one of my professional goals was to reflect on how I was promoting a positive reading culture at my school and develop ways to improve it. Improvement implies there is something wrong with what is currently being done…. Read More ›
Are Books Becoming Obsolete? “Do you think books will someday become obsolete in the next twenty years?” a friend recently asked me. Of course, I emphatically answered, “NO!” But then I got to thinking. People can access the written word… Read More ›
Drop-In PD is Born School librarians know all too well how precious time is during the school day. With that in mind, I decided to get creative about offering professional development (PD) opportunities for the teachers here at Highland School… Read More ›
As a school librarian I am proud of the evolution and expansion of children and young adult literature throughout the years. My goals are to increase literacy and make my excitement about books contagious. However, as an adult reader I… Read More ›
December is a festive time of year. Many of us celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Navigating the holidays can be tricky in some school settings. I can remember working in a school where we were banned from saying… Read More ›
With the arrival of the holiday season, I have been taking stock of the many things for which I am thankful. I wanted to share some of these reflections, as I think they have some direct bearing on being a… Read More ›