I work at a terrific school. A great place where kids are known and honored for their talents. We have art and music and PE. We have caring mental health specialists who help us take care of kids' hearts and families needs.
But we don't have a librarian.
Our library is staffed by a para and a group of volunteer parents.
And I hate it.
There's no one who can say, "You liked ** (RAIN REIGN, PERCY JACKSON, books about snakes), so you'll love this one.
Kids can't get a book any time they need/want to.
Teachers can't find what the special books they need.
Schools who want to grow readers need a librarian.
That's my bottom line.
Maybe that's why I loved Lee Bennett Hopkin's newest book, JUMPING OFF LIBRARY SHELVES. Fifteen poems that celebrate libraries and books and words. Some of the finest children's poets- Amy Ludwig Vanderwater, J. Patrick Lewis, Jane Yolen, Nikki Grimes, Joan Bransfield Graham, Kristine O'Connell George, Rebecca Kai Dotlich-- and lots of others. Beautiful watercolor illustrations. A CYBILS nominee.
Here's one of my favorites.
Storyteller
(for Augusta Baker)
As she speaks
words
leap from pages--
there are
friends like
frog and toad--
I walk
down a
yellow brick road.
Worlds of paper
disappear--
only
Miss Augusta
and I
are here
in a room
filled with magic
story
rhyme.
And as her voice
reaches
the highest
rafter--
I believe in
once-upon-a-time,
I believe in
happily ever after.
Lee Bennett Hopkins
Read more great poetry at Write. Sketch. Repeat.
You're right, someone who knows the students and the books is one of the important people in schools. This book is a treasure, agreed, Carol. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt should be illegal not to have a school librarian. Sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteLoved this book too!
I feel for (and agree with) your need, Carol. Thank goodness for those volunteer parents, though. Such a beautiful poem and anthology as a whole! I mention it in my post today too.
ReplyDeleteHow distressing that the library gets short shrift! You can't just leave out an important part of the school.
ReplyDeleteI especially like "Worlds of paper/disappear"
Three cheers for school librarians!
ReplyDeleteBeing a former school librarian I am SO excited about this book. I just requested my branch library buy it. Thanks for putting the spotlight on it, Carol. =)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - a school without a librarian is a travesty. The book, though, sounds wodnerful, and I love the poem!
ReplyDelete