Research is one of the most valuable skills we can teach learners. Because of the volume of information available online, it’s easy for children (and adults) to fall into the trap of believing everything they read. Before we go too… Read More ›
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Gratitude and Positive Narratives
In 2020, I wrote a KQ Blog post entitled “Grateful for My Professional Organizations” https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/grateful-for-my-professional-organizations/. In that post, I described how reviewing all of the things that I am grateful for has become a yearly tradition. This year, with the… Read More ›
Pairing Picture Books and Primary Sources: Harriet’s Ruffled Feathers by Joy McCullough and Romina Galotta
When reading a nonfiction picture book, I often think about how students will connect with it. When reading Harriet’s Ruffled Feathers: The Woman Who Saved Millions of Birds by Joy McCullough and Romina Galotta, I saw multiple connections that could… Read More ›
Re-imagined Classics for Your High School Library
As I read new young adult books this summer, I noticed a trend of re-imagined classics. While modern-day stories inspired by classics aren’t new, I can’t remember seeing so many of them at one time. Here are my reviews of… Read More ›
Upgrading Library Collections: Selecting books students want to read
A big part of my job as a School Library Coordinator in New York City is to support schools in revitalizing neglected library spaces. And, more often than not, the biggest task is to update the library collection. Untouched for… Read More ›
Why Stories Matter in a Data-Obsessed World
Data Driven We live in a world that is largely data driven. Teenagers, especially, are surrounded by quantifiable things. How many likes did my Instagram post get? What was your grade on the Social Studies test? Did you add another… Read More ›
Creating Lasting Connections with Teachers on your Campus
So much of being a school librarian is collaborating. As a school librarian, you collaborate with other school libraries, administration, and teachers. Since the school library is the heart of every school, it is vital to build relationships with everyone… Read More ›
Two YA Mysteries Sure To Be Popular This Year
With the beginning of each school year, I look forward to seeing which titles will be the most circulated ones in my library. Sometimes I can accurately predict what will be popular, and other times a sought-after title takes me… Read More ›
Different types of SEL Activities to Build School Library Culture
School libraries are often a refuge for learners who feel overwhelmed, need a safe space, or just want somewhere to go. At the start of the school year many are feeling stress and anxiety about the unknown of what the… Read More ›
8 Things on my “To Do” List to Start the School Year
When the calendar flips to August I start thinking about the start of the school year. As I make my “to do” list here are eight things I always do to start the year. Share New Back-to-School Books I create… Read More ›