https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15 Bookish blogs, lists & feeds that will inform & inspire your school library practice en-us 2022-03-03 19:20:27 UTC 2022-03-04 18:21:37 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f913.png margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076529281 This energetic, colorful blog, created by Kelsey Bogan, a Pennsylvania-based high school librarian, focuses on diversifying library collections, harnessing social media platforms for library advocacy and community building, and improving library instruction. What's not to love? Bogan offers plentiful posts for librarians interested in dipping their toes into the tide of TikTok, as well as info about conducting diversity audits and tips for engaging library organization and displays. I found Bogan's blog via my Feedly account (brand-new as of last week)!]]> 2022-03-03 19:25:49 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076529281 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076623164 Created by children's book enthusiast John Schu, this blog showcases new picture book and middle grade titles, featuring plentiful author interviews and book trailers. Schu, in collaboration with Colby Sharp, also created a Mock Caldecott list with title descriptions, videos and trailers. This blog will alert librarians to up-and-coming books that they might have missed otherwise. Students will enjoy learning more about children's book authors through the interviews. Mr. Schu has been on the scene for a while--I'm not sure how I stumbled across him but I think it may have been when he was speaking at a children's book conference!]]> 2022-03-03 20:25:34 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076623164 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076638165 First, become a member of the Massachusetts School Library Association. Second, immediately sign up for the member e-mail group. The weekly digest provides a list of recent queries & contributions without overwhelming your inbox. Members share information about statewide databases, curriculum mapping, reading challenges, Titlewave questions (and alternatives), book recommendation, project ideas, and more. Tapping into the knowledgable hive mind of the Massachusetts school library community will alert you to resources, welcome you to active debates, and give you a space to pose your own questions.]]> 2022-03-03 20:37:06 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076638165 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076707067 Betsy Bird, Evanston public librarian extraordinaire and children's book author, is very, very social. In other words, she hosts a podcast, webcast, blog (Fuse 8 via SLJ.com), and this Twitter feed. Why did I choose her Twitter feed over all of her other social media platforms? Because Twitter serves as a handy hub, letting followers connect with Bird's various endeavors as they choose, while also benefitting from Bird's interactions with the (book) world at large. Her feed includes both links to her podcast discussions or book promotions *and* reposts from authors she admires and other book-related current events (recently, sadly book banishments). Generally, Bird's feed is positive, funny, and well-informed. Bird's blog is one of several excellent blogs hosted by SLJ.com, along with 100 Scope Notes, Teen Librarian Toolbox, and Good Comics for Kids.]]> 2022-03-03 21:37:24 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076707067 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076727026 The author of Reimagining Library Spaces: Transform Your Space on Any Budget, Media Specialist/Teacher Librarian Diana Rendina created this blog as a way to share her knowledge about establishing library maker spaces and library redesign. While the book chronicles every aspect of Rendina's journey in redesigning her own 6-12th grade library, the blog offers clickable, easily digested hints and tips like "Cardboard Challenge Tips" and "5 Ways to Up Your Library Orientation Game." This blog provides practical, relevant advice for librarians interested in transforming static library space into a collaborative, inviting environment and for those who want to introduce engaging makerspace opportunities for their students.]]> 2022-03-03 21:56:44 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076727026 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076905937 We Need Diverse Books is a nonprofit organization that grew out of the Twitter hashtag #WeNeedDiverseBooks in 2014. Because of its Twitter origins, doesn't it just make sense to honor WNDB's seismic influence on children's book publishing by following its Twitter feed? WNDB posts information about its grants, internships, mentorships and workshops for emerging writers and illustrators. The feed also features new diverse titles and links to interviews with authors and illustrators. This is a great way to connect with diverse book resources to help build library collections. ]]> 2022-03-04 00:38:09 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076905937 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076946831 This creative, playful Instagram feed (and blog) is created by author and book enthusiast Danielle Davis. Danielle creates fabulous book lists that emphasize diversity. Her short reviews are insightful and helpful for developing well-represented library collections. However, what drew me in is her posts in which she invites a crafter/maker to design a fun activity/craft to pair with a featured picture book. These activities are perfect fodder for librarians interested in creating low-cost, hands-on maker opportunities to pair with books.

]]> 2022-03-04 01:03:00 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076946831 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076955130 This blog is the brainchild of former elementary school librarian and author/illustrator Carter Higgins. Beautifully designed, the blog features conversations with picture book illustrators with "sneak peeks" into their design and art processes. The "Illustrator Feature" posts include book dummies and early drafts that really give a behind-the-scenes look at making books. This is great material to share with students, demystifying the book creation process for them and by extension, allowing them to imagine themselves as creators.]]> 2022-03-04 01:07:53 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2076955130 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2077017373 K.C. Boyd calls herself a "school library activist"; Library Journal named her a "mover and shaker." The recognition is well-earned and Boyd's Boss Librarian Twitter feed reflects that. Her engagement with issues ranging from intellectual freedom, diverse book representation, mental health, information literacy and more (way more). Boyd also posts about nuts and bolts school library issues, hosting conversations like "What I Wish My Administrator Knew" and sharing lessons, ideas, displays and resources for school librarians. K.C. Boyd came to my attention from Amanda Jones's article "Get Your Selfie Out There" in Knowledge Quest, February 2020.]]> 2022-03-04 01:42:14 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2077017373 margaretmuirhead11 https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2078209841 What does it mean to be an advocate for public school libraries in the broadest sense of the term? Erika Long's Twitter feed is a window into deeply engaged, committed library advocacy on the state and national level. A school librarian and Apple teacher, Long posts about about state legislation she champions in her home state of Tennessee as well as her engagement with professional groups like the ALA, AASL the Tennessee Library Association (TNLA), and the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color. Long's posts often focus on issues of intellectual freedom and supporting librarians that stand up to banned book measures as well as legislation that curtails schools from discussing our racial past, current racial discrimination and LGBTQ and gender identify.]]> 2022-03-04 16:15:40 UTC https://padlet.com/margaretmuirhead11/2vfw9gukdtb5ay15/wish/2078209841