When children ask for a summer reading list, I bet you have great suggestions. But when adults ask you for recommendations, do you find yourself scratching your head? If so, have I got a list for you! This list is so popular, my family and friends start asking for it every May. So how do you get your hands on this rich resource? Read about Sandy Eichelberger to learn how.
Who Is Sandy Eichelberger?
Sandy is a retired high school librarian who “devours” books. She is the most passionate reader I have had the pleasure of speaking with. No kidding. She reads thousands of books and writes journal entries for each book.
Eichelberger began her career as an English teacher and later earned a Master’s degree in Library Science. Her forte is young adult literature, and she has presented on the subject. School librarians left her sessions with loads of noteworthy titles for their collections.
The Story Behind the Summer Reading List for Adults
As a high school librarian, Eichelberger offered “Garage Sale Book Talks” to classes. She presented tables piled with books of different genres. She promoted at least fifty titles, offering a “good flavor” for reading.
The book talks were so popular, she began promoting titles to staff members. They borrowed the books during summer vacation and loved the recommendations. This got her thinking. Maybe other educators would appreciate her book list. Eichelberger reached out to a larger audience.
LM_NET
On April 7, 2013, Eichelberger posted a request on LM_NET for new book recommendations. This valuable listserv is dedicated to thousands of school librarians from around the world. Sandy promised to share everyone’s suggestions. The response was extensive. The list she compiled included “the best of the best” and “Sandy’s Favorites.” The titles that made the list were recently published and had plenty of discussion points. School librarians shared the list with staff, family and friends.
The Response
The feedback was exciting. School librarians heard from many people how much they appreciated Sandy’s work. As the next summer approached, they asked for the list again.
Contact Sandy Eichelberger
To obtain the latest list, email Sandy Eichelberger (seichel@roadrunner.com). Be on the lookout for her request on LM_NET in April. If you respond with a new book recommendation, she will send you the final list as an email attachment. You are encouraged to share the list, but please ask all recipients to keep Sandy’s name attached.
Read Sandy’s reviews on Goodreads.
Fun Fact: The most popular book recommendation last spring was The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn.
Thank you, Sandy, for setting aside your reading time to talk with me. I love your list, and every year, more people ask me for it. It’s exciting to see how many people rely on your list and recommend it every summer! We truly appreciate your work!
Mentioned Web Resources:
LM_NET (http://www.lm-net.info/)
Sandy Eichelberger’s Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2937252
Author: Maureen Schlosser
Author: Lessons Inspired by Picture Books for Primary Grades and Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers published by ALA Editions
Blogger: https://LibraryLessonsWithBooks.com
Skillshare Teacher: https://skl.sh/3a852D5
Categories: Blog Topics, Collection Development, Community/Teacher Collaboration
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