Because of the title of this post, you probably think I’m advocating to teach students facts and not conspiracy theories, the Flat Earth Movement being a well-known one, along with the moon landing, JFK, etc. And you would be correct:… Read More ›
Uncategorized
How to Separate Books from their Authors’ Values
I’m a librarian who has been an outspoken supporter of diverse literature, highlighting Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, LatinX, Jewish, and many other marginalized cultures. As I’ve written in various articles, I see literature as a key component in creating empathy among… Read More ›
Simple Stress Relief (Though I Can’t Imagine Why You’d Need It…)
What, me worry? Back in April, the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) held our Spring 2023 Virtual Mini-Conference. Our theme was “Hope & Healing”. We figured that would be a theme that would hit home with folks after… Read More ›
Taylor Swift, Barbie, & LatinX Back-to-School Displays
Sparks Fly in the Library Taylor Swift. The name is enough to get the attention of all teenagers (and most adults). When my Teaching Assistant suggested we use the iconic pop star as the focus for a book display, I… Read More ›
Finding Joy in the Journey
It’s the beginning of August, and while most of us are trying to hide from the heatwave hitting the country, many of us also already have our sights set on fall. As I prepare for this upcoming school year, I… Read More ›
Making Research Exciting Through Student Choice
My favorite option for keeping high school students occupied after end-of-year exams is independent reading. A close second, though, is helping them discover the joy of research. Last year was the first time I collaborated with an AP United States… Read More ›
NJ Information Literacy Standard: The Journey From Bill to Law, Part 2
Librarians and Legislators Getting New Jersey’s S588 from bill to law was an education in the legislative process. The work to enlist sponsors for the information literacy standard would get underway as each new legislative session started. NJASL’s president, with… Read More ›
Pairing Picture Books and Primary Sources: Jack Knight’s Brave Flight: How One Gutsy Pilot Saved the U.S. Air Mail Service by Jill Esbaum and Stacy Innerst
When I find a historically based nonfiction picture book that is also a page turner that keeps me on the edge of my seat, I know that my students are going to enjoy it. And I hope it is one… Read More ›
March Book Madness: A Yearly Tournament Promoting Books
“Which book is longer?” asked an 11th grader after hearing my book talks for the two competitors of the day. It’s March Book Madness time in my high school library: my favorite activity of the year. Each day, I walk… Read More ›
Three New Books For Your High School Collection
If the books I’ve read lately are any indication, 2023 is going to be a good year for young adult fiction. Here are three titles that have been released since the first of the year that I recommend for high… Read More ›