In this time of virtual and hybrid learning, are print books still important? My answer is a resounding “yes”! However, what do you do if your administrator doesn’t “get it”? I received a request for advice from a school librarian… Read More ›
Collection Development
Picture Books and Primary Sources: Oscar’s American Dream by Barry Wittenstein and Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell
Usually, I write about historically based narrative nonfiction picture books. There was a book that didn’t fit into that category that I saw recently. However, I knew it would fit perfectly into a primary source-focused learning experience with some of… Read More ›
Revitalizing Our School Library Collection
Back in January, my very first blog post for Knowledge Quest was all about how librarianship is a marathon, not sprint. I wrote about the importance of pacing yourself and not trying to tackle big changes all at once. I… Read More ›
Ten Tips for Re-Opening the Library Space
My school district in central Texas began the school year in late August with three weeks of online learning only. On September 9, we allowed families to choose between online learning or face-to-face learning, and we have now been open… Read More ›
Finding Teachers in the Most Unlikely Places
[SPONSORED CONTENT] As COVID-19 forces many kids to miss school this fall, I have good news for them: teachers are all around us―and not just on the computer screen. I met many of my best teachers far from any classroom…. Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Lisa Anchin
Historically based picture books, while often having some type of connection to our own lives, may not always seem timely. That certainly wasn’t the case with Linda Elovitz Marshall’s new book, The Polio Pioneer. The book explores Dr. Salk’s life… Read More ›
Reopening School Libraries: A Plan of Action
The COVID-19 pandemic brings exceptional challenges to school districts nationwide. Do schools reopen to students in-person, online, or as a hybrid model of blended learning? And a decision made one day could change the next. Most importantly, working in a… Read More ›
Developing Inclusive Learners & Citizens: A Call to Action
One year ago, our ALA Emerging Leaders group presented our project, “Developing Inclusive Learners and Citizens Activity Guide.” We had no idea at that time that just a year later our country would be in crisis with nation-wide shutdowns due to… Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: Interview with Mara Rockliff, Author of Jefferson Measures a Moose
There are some fascinating historically based picture books that focus on a largely unknown moment of a well-known person’s life. The best of those highlights an aspect of that person’s character that helps the reader look at that individual differently… Read More ›
Social and Emotional Picture Books for Face-to-Face Learning
How are you feeling about starting the new school year in a face-to-face environment? Anxious? Worried? You are not alone. Your learning community is probably feeling the same way. So, how do we help everyone feel more comfortable? Start by… Read More ›