There’s something about comic books that excites people. As a child I devoured Archie and Richie Rich comics, but soon forgot about them as novels became my go-to medium. A few years ago, while in library school, I was introduced… Read More ›
Blog Topics
How to Create Information Literacy Habits
Let’s start with a quiz. Select the definition/idea/skill you consider challenging to assess student mastery of: Satire Habitat Pythagorean Theorem Reading Laterally Did you choose option four: reading laterally? Congratulations! Your answer is correct. Now you may think this was… Read More ›
Popcorn and the Power of a Great Book Trailer
There’s nothing like seeing a great movie in a theater. First of all, there’s the popcorn. Movie-theater popcorn is unlike anything you can microwave or cook on the stove. There’s the anticipation of a great film and spending 2 hours… Read More ›
You Are Never Too Old for a Good Story
The Storyteller As a child I loved good storytelling, whether told by a professional storyteller or an elder in my family. As a young student I can recall meeting Ella Jenkins, a national storyteller who visited my elementary school. Through… Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: Waiting for Pumpsie by Barry Wittenstein
Primary sources can give students an opportunity to explore an event or individual over time. A historically based picture book can reveal a lesser known event or individual from history. Paired together, the two can lead to engaging learning for… Read More ›
How Do You Stay Organized in the Library?
My co-librarian and I are messy and disorganized. We love our work, we love our middle schoolers, but we do not love cleaning. As we’re were doing our end-of-the-year chores, we realized we need to make some major changes and… Read More ›
What do three people in an airport have to do with inspiration?
Drawing Inspiration School librarians consistently look for inspiration. Inspiration motivates us to develop programming, supports, and approaches to teaching and collaboration. Inspiration also lets us consider ourselves in the greater world while appreciating those around us. This past month, a… Read More ›
Books That Can Make a Difference
Think of a book that compelled you to make a difference. Some may say A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park urged them to act. This story is about a remarkable young man named Salva. He was one of… Read More ›
Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries: More Than Books on the Shelves
It is essential that school librarians continuously update our collections with newer, more relatable, more diverse books; and it’s also essential that we do more than that. Note: While diversity and inclusion work has many layers and intersections, this post… Read More ›
A Season for Reading–One Book I Loved
As school librarians, we are all busy. There is never enough time to do it all, much less do it all well. One area that has demanded my attention lately is reading kids’ books. A school librarian must read books… Read More ›