Author Archives
I am a certified school librarian who has a passion for curating and creating content for school and community programs. Most of my work is inspired by remarkable picture books that compel children to wonder about the world around them.
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Community Summer Reading Projects
Are you looking for ideas to engage learners over the summer? I have a few to share, but you’ll need to enlist some help. Start with classroom educators. If any of the ideas below spark their interest, talk with reading… Read More ›
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Explore Earth Day and Poetry Month: Lessons That Support the AASL Standards Framework for Learners
Did you know that Earth Day is a global celebration? Every year, on April 22, the world pays closer attention to the impact we have on Earth. The air we breath, the water we drink, and the land that supplies… Read More ›
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Library Lessons with Picture Books: Observing Birds
The Audubon Society has the perfect tagline: “Get Outside: That’s where the birds are, after all.” Wouldn’t students just love spending time observing birds in the playground? Many birds migrate during the month of March, so now is a great… Read More ›
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Diversify Your Collection With Student’s Help
How diverse is your school library collection? Can students find themselves displayed throughout the library? Why does this matter? Books as Mirrors When author Grace Lin was little, books about Asian Americans were not available for her to read. This… Read More ›
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Curate and Include Lessons That Honor Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2018 and 2019. As a writer, she changes the way her readers think and feel. As a champion for children’s literature, she will continue to reach our hearts… Read More ›
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Let’s Talk about the New Standards
The new National School Library Standards are out, and boy, do we have a lot to talk about! We all enjoy learning from each other, so let’s connect and share. The AASL Standards website is a great place to jump… Read More ›
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No Money for Books? Start a Birthday Book Club!
Are you wishing you had money to buy new books for your learning community? If so, start a Birthday Book Club! A Birthday Book Club invites families to recognize their child’s birthday by donating a book or money to the… Read More ›
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Primary Source Pairings with Award-Winning Books
Picture books offer a tremendous amount of learning opportunities. Joanna Marek, the school librarian at Spring Avenue Elementary School in La Grange, Illinois, appreciates this fact. After attending a weeklong institute at the Library of Congress, Marek was inspired to… Read More ›
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Resources to Help Children Build Empathy
This hurricane season has been devastating. Many children are without power and water, and others are recovering from severe flooding. This is worrisome not only for the families living through this trauma but also for the children who are watching… Read More ›
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Hurricane Season: Making Connections with Picture Books and Resources
Most of us watched the destruction of the latest hurricanes on news feeds. Others had to endure the devastation first hand. It may be difficult for children who never experienced extreme weather conditions to make connections with hurricane victims and empathize… Read More ›