See and Be Seen Teenagers don’t always notice what’s right in front of them. In my high school library few students take the time to look through the shelves when they need a book. I’m always happy to guide individuals… Read More ›
literacy
Supplemental Books for After AP/IB Exams
How many students learn for the sake of learning? It’s a question I think about a lot in this age of overtesting. In New York, children start with the ELA, Math, and Science tests in the early grades and then… Read More ›
Equity of Access to Certified School Librarians
Happy National School Librarian Day (April 4th) and School Library Month (April) ! I am so honored to be a part of the school library profession and want to acknowledge the great work of school librarians across the nation working… 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 ›
Speed Dating with Nonfiction Books
Every year I collaborate with the 11th-grade English teachers on a nonfiction independent reading project. The goal is to increase student agency and create excitement about literature. While many juniors initially express an aversion to reading, they often show an… Read More ›
Graphic Novels to Pair with Social Studies Lessons
I am a huge fan of graphic novels, especially when it comes to instruction. As a school librarian, I love finding new ways to collaborate with teachers and one way that teachers love to utilize me is when they ask… Read More ›
Engaging Nonfiction Titles for High School Students
Summer is a reading marathon for me. Each year, as I prepare to go back to my high school library, I take stock of titles I’ve read that might engage my students. I’m not always successful at motivating resistant teenage… Read More ›
Promoting Young Adult Books Through March Madness
Tournament Time Every year I eagerly await March Madness. Lifting me out of the mid-winter slump, the NCAA basketball tournament excites me with its college colors, team logos, energetic players, and unpredictable outcomes. Similarly, the March Book Madness tournament I… Read More ›
Literacy Through Graphic Novels and Comic Books
As 2021 came to a close, we all needed some brightness in our lives. Free Comic Book Day, a national initiative that takes place each May, inspired a colleague and I to start one of our own a few years… Read More ›
Speed Dating with Books: The Power of Creative Nonfiction
This year I was thrilled to be back in person for our yearly 11th-grade Speed Dating with Books event. Though last year’s digital version was successful, it could not compare to the energy of a live activity. Amid the chaos… Read More ›