No Shhing Here

When we think about classic children's literature, names like Louisa May Alcott, S.E. Hinton, and George Orwell instantly come to mind. While these literary giants have left an indelible mark on the reading landscape, it's crucial to expand our horizons and also introduce teenagers to contemporary YA literature. These traditional pieces in the canon have their place, but I think they're the most impactful when bookended by today's YA lit. Point #1: Windows, Mirrors & Doors Contemporary YA literature offers a fresh perspective on the world teenagers inhabit today. It delves into the challenges, triumphs, and experiences that resonate deeply with young readers. By exposing teens to diverse characters, backgrounds, and contemporary issues, we empower them to develop empathy, understanding, and critical thinking skills. These stories become mirrors, windows, and doors for teenagers to explore their own identities, question societal norms, and imagine new possibilities. ...

In a reading slump? Looking for a little extra motivation? Not sure what to read next? Join us in the Teacher's Printz Reader Challenge! Calling all teachers and school staff! Join my building and some of my favorite teachers in the Printz Reader Challenge! It's a perfect option for ELA teachers, librarians, or anyone that enjoys reading YA - bonus if you also work with the target audience for YA - teenagers! The challenge is super simple:  Print off a copy of the challenge badge. If you have a button maker, turn it into a button. Here's a PDF of printable badges , and a link to the original Canva template . Read the 5 young adult books that won the Printz Award or were designated Printz Honor books: All my Rage by Sabba Tahir, Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei, Queer Ducks by Eliot Schrefer and Jules Zuckerberg, When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb, and Scout's Honor by Lily Anderson. Your goal? Finish before your school year ends. Every time you finish...

  As librarians, we cover so many different standards. Information literacy? Check. English Language Arts? Check. Reading? Check. STEM? Check. Computer science? Check. Over the last year or two, I've added social-emotional learning to the list of skills and competencies I teach through library instruction.  Some strategies are super obvious - like direct instruction as part of my teaching, but other methods like book displays and bulletin boards are more subtle. One primary focus of my library program is supporting students' mental health, which is directly tied to the SEL strand of emotional regulation.  Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and express emotions in a healthy and appropriate way. Emotional regulation is essential for secondary students, who are navigating the challenges and complexities of adolescence. During this time, my junior high kids feel a huge range of intense emotions, from excitement and joy to frustration and anger and everything...

One of our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals is to increase students' exposure to diverse voices. Although we strive to do this all year long, history and heritage months are good opportunities for a special focus.  Black History Month, celebrated in February each year, recognizes and honors the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial equality, and it provides an opportunity for education and reflection on the ways in which black history has shaped and continues to shape the United States. Additionally, it helps to combat the lack of representation of black history and achievements in mainstream education and media. My go-to method for history and heritage months is to create a slide deck celebrating noteworthy individuals. I share the slides with my teachers, who then can utilize them at the start of every class period. Black History month's slides are avai...