It has been a rather long while since I’ve been in this space, since I’ve put pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard. You may be wondering: “Well, where have you been?” Since truly and completely answering such a query… Read More ›
censorship
Holding Out for a Hero Who Can Bring The Noise
“Welcome to the Jungle” We all know that school librarianship has come into some dark times. Small but vocal national groups are making a lot of noise about titles they have personal objections to. Their playbook includes personal attacks vilifying… Read More ›
Top Knowledge Quest Blog Posts of 2021
Can you dedicate 10 minutes out of your busy day to learn and grow as a professional? If so, I encourage you to get in the habit of reading the Knowledge Quest blog. Here, you’ll find ideas, resources and opportunities… Read More ›
Book Challenges, Part 2: A Resource Handbook
They Keep Going, and Going, and Going… Last month, I wrote about the rising number of book challenges facing libraries across the country. I offered a few tools to help school librarians prepare. Since then, the number of challenges has… Read More ›
The American Library Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries
Due to a dramatic uptick in book challenges and outright removal of books from libraries, ALA’s Executive Board and the Boards of Directors for all of ALA’s eight divisions have released the following joint statement regarding attempts to remove materials… Read More ›
Stepping onto a Soapbox, Part Two: Challenges
In my last post, an acknowledged two-parter, I promised that I’d be back up on my soapbox again in the near future. Well, the future is now. I have a confession to make: I fangirl Jacqueline Woodson. If you haven’t… Read More ›
Teaching Within Context
I applaud the Seuss Foundation for taking a stance on several books that are culturally insensitive. It was brave for the foundation’s leaders to acknowledge that some books penned by our beloved Dr. Seuss perpetuate stereotypes. They are books that… Read More ›
Gearing up for the Challenge: Tips for Tackling Censorship
It’s not often that school librarians gravitate toward the gridiron for advice, but when it comes to combating censorship, iconic Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi had the perfect game plan: “Preparedness is the ultimate confidence builder.” From January-September 2019,… Read More ›
American Dirt: To Read or Not to Read?
Is That the Question? Last month, I was scrolling through Twitter and found Oprah promoting American Dirt. A thriller about immigration that hooked her on the first page? I’m in. I immediately ordered it on Amazon and went back to… Read More ›
Ages and Stages in Your library
A Wide Range A couple of years ago, I booked tickets to see an act that my family had seen on America’s Got Talent. Piff, the Magic Dragon had a family friendly act on America’s Got Talent, but the show… Read More ›