Book Review: Strike! The Farm Workers' Fight for Their Rights

STRIKE! THE FARM WORKERS’ FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS by Larry Dane Brimner explores the complex history of farm workers movement. Like many works related to this topic, union leader César Chávez plays a central role in the story. The narrative traces the creation of the United Farm Workers union and the use of protest techniques such as boycotts along the way.

What makes this work of nonfiction for youth exceptional is its focus on the cultural, social, and political tensions of the time period. Brimner’s well-research narrative and balanced approach addresses controversial topics such as racial tensions and issues of religion related to the movement.

The book’s design will appeal to middle grade readers. Visual elements can be found on almost every page and quotes from key players are woven into the text. However, additional headings and subheadings could be useful in assisting readers in locating information within the chapters.

The inclusion of photographs, maps, and other primary resources (e.g., telegraph message, cartoons paintings, posters, sketches) make it a useful book in addressing Common Core Curriculum standards. In addition, the author’s note, timeline, further readings, source notes, index, and other elements add to the quality of the text and its usefulness in student research.

Larry Dane Brimner is known for his well-researched, visually rich works of nonfiction for youth. Other titles include Birmingham Sunday, We Are One, and Black & White. Learn more about the author at http://brimner.com/.

This book would be an excellent addition to any nonfiction collection for youth.

Publisher ARC used for review

Book Review: Economics Through Infographics

ECONOMICS THROUGH INFOGRAPHICS by Karen Latchana Kenney is the newest book in the SUPER SOCIAL STUDIES INFOGRAPHICS series aimed at upper elementary school youth. Economics is an aspect of the social studies curriculum that can be difficult for youth to understanding. Visual representations are an effective way to convey key concepts related to trade, currency, spending, markets, and business. In this work of nonfiction for youth, the author uses “the money trail” to help readers understand how the cycle of money works. Questioning is woven into the text to stimulate student thinking. Blocks of text introduce key concepts and useful examples. While many of the examples explore topics connected to the every-day world such as iPhones, others are connected to social studies topics like the fur trade. From Australia to Israel, examples are provided from around the world.

The author points out that professional economists use graphic elements to convey their ideas. Illustrator Steven Stankiewicz uses infographics to present the key concepts visually. Bright, attractive colors will immediately attract readers. A wide variety of visuals are incorporated including pictograms, charts, concept maps, flowcharts, timelines, and maps.

Like any book focusing on economics, the book is likely to become dated in a few years. For instance, a section discussing the minimum wage ends with data from 2010, a dated flip phone is used as an example, and the cost of services like movies are likely to change. However, the book should remain current for the life of the book.

The book concludes with an index, further information, and a glossary. Other books in the series focus on culture, geography, government, and history.

To learn more about integrating infographics into the school library, check out two new articles in Teacher Librarian.

Lamb, Annette & Johnson, Larry (April 2014). Infographics Part 1: Invitations to Inquiry. Teacher Librarian, 41(4), 54-58.

Lamb, Annette & Johnson, Larry (June 2014). Infographics Part 2: Practical Ideas for Your Library. Teacher Librarian, 41(5), 64-67. 

NetGalley ARC used for review

Book Review: Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch

MADDY KETTLE: THE ADVENTURE OF THE THIMBLEWITCH is the first book in an exciting new graphic novel series by Eric Orchard. 

When her parents are turned into kangaroo rats and kidnapped by evil spider goblins, Maddy goes in search of the Thimblewitch to rescue them. A one-of-a-kind floating spadefoot toad named Ralph is just one of the many unique creatures Maddy encounters on her quest. This fantasy adventure has just the right balance of exciting and creepy segments to maintain the attention of young readers without causing nightmares. Even the scariest characters turn out to simply be misunderstood.

The beautiful illustrations will be a hit with readers of all ages. Orchard’s use of vivid colors, interesting characters, and engaging, imaginary settings bring the story to life. The illustrations reflect the fast-paced plot and ongoing action.

This quirky new series is guaranteed to become a popular choice of young readers along with works by Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman.

To learn more about Eric Orchard and his books, go to http://www.ericorchard.com/.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Book Review: Jackaby

JACKABY by William Ritter is an marvelous way to introduce a new generation to a classic form of literature, the detective novel. At the same time, this compelling first novel joins an increasing number of quality works of historical fantasy. This combination of detective novel with historical fantasy is original and exciting for readers.

Set in 1892, Abigail Rook is fresh off a ship from Europe when she arrives in New England seeking adventure and more importantly a job. She gets both as she begins her first day as R. F. Jackaby’s assistant. Jackaby isn’t your ordinary investigator. He’s an eccentric who specializes in unexplained phenomenon and supernatural beings.

Ritter’s humorous, lyrical prose is captivating to read. Teens will immediately be attracted to narrator Abigail Rook’s situation and perspective. Each character in the story is well-developed and plays an interesting role in the progress of this engaging mystery. The plot is revealed in a tone reminiscent of classic detective stories from Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie. However the quirky characters and elements of supernatural will remind readers of more contemporary mysteries.

JACKABY will appeal to a broad range of readers including those who enjoy historical fiction, supernatural creatures, paranormal mystery, and a hint of romance.

THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST series by Rick Yancey would be a great read-alike for those who enjoy the horror and paranormal aspects of JACKABY.

Those that enjoy the historical fantasy aspects may be interested in THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray.

Use JACKABY as a vehicle to introduce a new generation to the classic detective adventure. Feature JACKABY along with other mysteries in a display including the “tools of the trade” from leather notebooks to magnifying glasses and a lab coat. Expand the paranormal mystery aspects with books featuring folklore and supernatural creatures.

JACKABY is Will Ritter’s first novel. If you enjoy language and YA literature, follow his blog at http://rwillritter.wordpress.com/.

Readers will be demanding a sequel to this unique series.

Publisher ARC used for review

Book Review: Bird & Squirrel On Ice

BIRD & SQUIRREL ON ICE by James Burks is a followup to the hilarious Bird & Squirrel on the Run. This time the duo have crash landed at the South Pole and must find a way to avoid becoming Killer Whale food.

The Bird & Squirrel series provides a great entry into graphic novels for young readers. The easy-to-follow panels and the crisp, colorful artwork will engage beginning readers. The well-developed characters and humorous story will also appeal to children.

Although Scholastic doesn’t provide a Graphix Comic Builder specifically for this series, children would enjoy building their own comics using the characters from some of the other Graphix series. Go to http://www.scholastic.com/graphix/ to learn more.

Looking for other graphic novel style books for beginning readers? Try Toon Books at http://www.toon-books.com/. This website also have activities for kids.

To read more about author James Burks, explore his website at http://jamesburks.com/.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Jeanna Walker - Thurs. Oct. . 2 to Sat Oct. 4, 2014

Back again as guest blogger is Jeanna Walker, the media specialist teacher at Portage Northern High School (MI). There she is centrally involved in activities with students and teachers in the Library Learning Commons.

Visit the Portage Public Schools High School CyberLibrary.

Portage Northern High School's  library teaching program was selected to represent Michigan on Dr. Nancy Everhart’s AASL Vision Tour. Jeanna Walker was recently named by the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) as Michigan's 2014 School Librarian of the Year. ISTE also awarded Jeanna their 2014 Making IT Happen Award.

Learn more about Jeanna Walker and her work at Portage Northern High School plus her busy professional life at 

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/walker.html

This year's startup question for all of our blog-guests is - "What is the most important part of your school library program at New Haven High this year?"

Book Review: The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats

THE CASE OF THE VANISHING LITTLE BROWN BATS: A SCIENTIFIC MYSTERY by Sandra Markle follows a group of scientists as they investigate the disappearance of the beloved brown bat population. This engaging mystery combines a well-researched narrative with high-quality color photographs.

Like her award-winning scientific mysteries focusing on golden frogs and honeybees in “The Case of the Vanishing…” series, this book focuses on a real-world investigation. The scientific aspects are made accessible through clear explanations and authentic examples.

The book’s layout will appeal to youth readers. Annotated photographs are useful for children who wish to skim the book before reading. Maps and labeled diagrams help readers visualize key concepts. Interesting questions are used as headings and subheadings to guide reading.

Additional resources provided by the author will be of particular interest to teachers and librarians. These include an author’s note, local/global efforts, glossary, digging deep information, and an index. In addition, the exemplary informational text would be useful in addressing the Common Core Curriculum.

While many library collections already have many “fact books” about bats, this book provides a unique, fresh perspective on the topic.

The combination of fascinating science with an engaging mystery are perfect of the target youth audience.

Learn more about Sandra Markle and her books at her blog at http://sandra-markle.blogspot.com/.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Book Review: Sisters

Raina Telgemeier is known for her popular graphic novels and memoir for youth. Like its companion SMILE, SISTERS by Raina Telgemeier weaves together a humorous, relatable story. In this case, the plot unfolds during a family road trip from California to Colorado. Having grown up in a family who took car vacations in a Volkswagon Beetle, I could relate to the experience of traveling with siblings.

Telgemeier’s use of present-day narrative combined with flashbacks keeps the reader constantly engaged in this quick read. The illustrations are clean and easy to follow, while the dialog is realistic and light.

SISTERS is perfect for the target audience and is likely to encourage even reluctant readers to look for Telgemeier” earlier works.

I had the opportunity to see Raina Telgemeier do a Reader’s Theater excerpt from this book at ALA in Las Vegas. It was hilarious! I highly recommend both the book and the author!

To learn more about Raina Telgemeier, go to http://goraina.com/

Publisher ARC used for review

Sherry Gick - Mon. Sept. 29 to Wed. Oct. 1, 2014

Sherry Gick is the school librarian at Rossville Consolidated Schools in Indiana.

Sherry works daily in the middle school/high school library and supervises an assistant who runs the elementary library. She also teaches sixth and eighth grade language arts enrichment and peer tutoring/cadet teaching. She would be pleased to share with you ideas and insights as well as other issues and activities related to her school library and the work of school librarians in general.

Sherry is married to a teacher and coach. They are parents of two children. She is an avid reader and a runner.

Rossville Consolidated School District http://www.rcsd.k12.in.us/

RMHS Library
 http://library.rcsd.k12.in.us/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml

Learn more about Sherry athttp://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/gick.html.

This year's startup question to all of our blog-guests is - "What is the most important part of your school library program at New Haven High this year?"

Website Resource: Our Documents

Looking for a way to talk with teachers about the Common Core? Start with primary source documents. Sit down together and work your way through the Our Documents website at http://www.ourdocuments.gov/

Book Review: Nancy Knows

NANCY KNOWS by Cybèle Young is the beautifully illustrated story of an elephant who’s having trouble with her memory. Nancy can recall everything except the one thing she’s trying to remember. Readers young and old alike will be able to relate to this charming story.

Intended for preschool and primary-aged children, both parents and teachers will be attracted to the theme of “remembering” associated with colors, senses, and emotions. This book would be a wonderful springboard to discussions about with children about the concept of reflection. This essential concept is difficult to teach, but Young’s story of remembering would be an excellent time to start young children thinking about their own thinking. The conclusion explores the important of mental relaxation associated with remembering.

Young is known for her intricate paper sculptures. While the character of Nancy is shown as a primitive outline, amazing miniature paper sculptures are woven throughout the picture book reflecting Nancy’s thoughts and memories. The illustrator also used this technique successfully in two of her other picture books, A FEW BLOCKS and A FEW BITES.

NANCY KNOWS is a book that belongs in every home and library collection. Unlike Nancy, you’re unlikely to forget it.

To learn more about Cybèle Young’s exceptional artwork, go tohttp://www.cybeleyoung.ca/.

LibraryThing ARC used for review

Book Review: Voices from the March on Washington

VOICES FROM THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON by J. Patrick Lewis and George Ella Lyon is a powerful poem collection providing readers with a wide range of perspectives on this historic day. 

The poems in this book will transport youth fifty years into the past. Although many books chronicle the events of August 28, 1963, few capture the emotions of the experience. Through poetry, readers become immersed in the hope, pride, and excitement of the march.

From analyzing the inspiring title page photograph to discussing the impact of individual poems, the possibilities for classroom activities related to the Civil Rights Movement are endless.

Use the poems to jumpstart activities. When Langston Hughes is mentioned, bring out his poems to extend the experience. For more about Langston Hughes, go to http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/langston-hughes. When poets talk about Jim Crow, show photos reflecting racial segregation. For ideas, go tohttp://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/civil-rights/.

Beyond the poems, the book’s introduction provides an excellent overview to the time period and context of event. In addition, the guide at the end of the book includes biographical notes about the key people mentioned in the book along with additional resources to extend the reading experience.

Add this book to the growing collection of high-quality works associated with the Civil Rights Movement in America.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Jennifer Brower - Thur. Sept. 25 to Sat. Sept. 27, 2014

Our first virtual guest is Jennifer Brower, the Library Media Specialist at New Haven High School, IN.

Jenn was awarded the2012 Outstanding New Media Specialist Award presented jointly by the Indiana Library Association and the Association of Indiana School Library Educators (ILF/AISLE). Currently, she is the Treasurer for AISLE.

In a short time-span, Mrs. Brower has established herself at her school as a energetic and knowledgeable leader who is willing to share and collaborate. She is one of the organizers for the Fort Wayne Edcamp and the Fort Wayne K12 Edtech Monthly Meetups

Learn more about Jenn at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/brower.html

Jennifer will lead off with her response to the startup question - "What is the most important part of your school library program at New Haven High this year?"

Banned Book Week 2014

For lots of ideas for celebrating Banned Book Week, go to the official website at http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/.

Jeanna Walker - Wed. Oct. 2 to Fri.. Oct. 4, 2013

This year's last guest blogger is Jeanna Walker, the media specialist teacher at Portage Northern High School (MI). There she is centrally involved in activities with students and teachers in the Library Learning Commons.

Visit the Portage Public Schools High School CyberLibrary.

Portage Northern High School's  library teaching program was selected to represent Michigan on Dr. Nancy Everhart’s AASL Vision Tour. Jeanna Walker was recently named by the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) as Michigan's 2014 School Librarian of the Year.

Learn more about Jeanna, her work at Portage Northern High School, and a busy professional life at 

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/walker.html

The startup question asked of all the blog-guests this year is: "Can you provide a few examples or ideas of what makes your library program successful?"

Jennifer Brower - Tues. Oct. 1 to Thur.. Oct. 3, 2013

Welcome to our next guest, Jennifer Brower, the Library Media Specialist at New Haven High School, IN.

Jenn was awarded the 2012 Outstanding New Media Specialist Award presented jointly by the Indiana Library Association and the Association of Indiana School Library Educators (ILF/AISLE). Currently, she is the District 3 Representative-elect and is Treasurer for AISLE.

In a short time-span, Mrs. Brower has established herself at her school as a energetic and knowledgeable leader who is willing to share and collaborate.

Learn more about Jenn at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/brower.html

She will lead off with her response to the startup question - "Can you provide a few examples or ideas of what makes your library program successful?"

Susan Eley - Mon. Sept. 30 to Wed. Oct. 2, 2013

Rejoining this year's class as a blog-guest is Susan Eley, the library media specialist at Hillside Elementary School (PreK to Grade 4) in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Susan is a graduate of Indiana University's MLS program and has a few year's of on-the-job experience.

She was been involved with her school district's Library Media Curriculum Writing Committee as they worked to incorporate the Common Core Standards for language arts. She would be pleased to share with you ideas and insights gained in that process as well as any other issues and activities related to her school library and the work of school librarians in general.

Learn more about Susan at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/eley.html.

This year's startup question is "Can you provide a few examples or ideas of what makes your library program successful?"

Pete Hildebrandt - Tues. Sept. 24 through Thurs. Sept. 26

Next up for blogging is Pete Hildebrandt, a 34 year veteran of public education. Pete is the Library Media Specialist at Sylvania High School  (OH).

He has taught grades 1,2, 4, 5 and 6, worked as a principal, and been a media specialist at the middle school / junior high as well as two high schools. An award winning educator, he has just about done it all!

This year's startup question is "Can you provide a few examples or ideas of what makes your library program successful?"

Learn more about Pete:

http://edu . . . /hildebrandt.html

Use this opportunity to learn all that you can from his work as a teacher and a teacher librarian.

Sherry Gick - Mon. Sept. 23 through Wed. Sept. 25

Joining the class as a first-time blog-guest this year is Sherry Gick, the school librarian at Rossville Consolidated Schools in Indiana.
http://www.rcsd.k12.in.us/ 

Sherry works daily in the middle school/high school library and supervises an assistant who runs the elementary library. She also teaches sixth and eighth grade language arts enrichment and peer tutoring/cadet teaching. She would be pleased to share with you ideas and insights as well as other issues and activities related to her school library and the work of school librarians in general.

Sherry is married to a teacher and coach. They are parents of two children. She is an avid reader and a runner.

Learn more about Sherry at
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/gick.html.

This year's startup question to all of our blog-guests is: "Can you provide a few examples or ideas of what makes your library program successful?"

Dana Fisher - Wed. Oct. 17 to Fri. Oct. 19, 2012

Our final guest blogger this Fall is Dana Fisher, a library media specialist at Florence Elementary School in High Point, NC.

Visit Dana's biopage for more information:
http://eduscapes . . .fisher.html

This week, Dana is in the midst of presenting lessons to her students that are required by the Children's Internet Protection Act. It's a busy week with a book fair in the library, an activity that is run entirely by PTA volunteers. That means that Dana is taking her "show on the road" to the children's classrooms.

Startup question: "What is the most important issue or activity facing you in your school library this fall?"

Dennis LeLoup - Wed. Oct. 10 to Fri. Oct. 12, 2012

Next guest up is Dennis LeLoup, the school librarian at both Avon Intermediate Schools (Grades 5-6).

Dennis is the current President of the Indiana Library Federation and was recently appointed to serve on the 2014 Caldecott Committee(ALSC). He is also serving another term on the ALA Council as a Councilor-at-large. Learn more about him at:

http://eduscapes...leloup.html

Interactions can begin as soon as Dennis posts his response to this year's lead-in query:
"What is the most important issue or activity facing you in your school library this fall?"

Jeanna Walker - Mon. Oct. 8 to Wed. Oct. 10, 2012

Our next guest is Jeanna Walker, the media specialist teacher at Portage Northern High School (MI). There she orchestrates a myriad of activities with students and teachers in the Library Learning Commons.

The library teaching program was selected to represent Michigan on Dr. Nancy Everhart’s AASL Vision Tour.

Learn more about Jeanna, her work at Portage Northern High School and a busy professional life at 
http://eduscapes.com/..walker.html

The startup question asked of all the blog-guests this year is: "What is the most important issue or activity facing you in your school library this fall?"

Pete Hildebrandt - Wed. Oct. 3 to Fri. Oct. 5, 2012

Next up for blogging with class members is Pete Hildebrandt, a 33 year veteran of public education. Pete is the Library Media Specialist at Sylvania Southview High School (OH).

He has taught grades 1,2, 4, 5 and 6, worked as a principal, and been a media specialist at the middle school / junior high as well as two high schools. An award winning educator, he has just about done it all!
Learn more about Pete:

http://. . .hildebrandt.html

Use this opportunity to 'pick his brain' and learn all you can from his work as both a teacher and a teacher librarian.

Susan Eley - Mon. Oct. 1 to Wed. Oct. 3, 2012

Joining the class as the first blog-guest this year is Susan Eley, the library media specialist at Hillside Elementary School (PreK to Grade 4) in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Susan is a relatively recent graduate of Indiana University's MLS program and has a few year's of on-the-job experience.

This past summer, she was involved with her school district's Library Media Curriculum Writing Committee as they worked to incorporate the Common Core Standards for language arts. She would be pleased to share with you ideas and insights gained in that process as well as any other issues and activities related to her school library and the work of school librarians in general.

Learn more about Susan at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/eley.html.

My startup question to all of our blog-guests this year is: "What is the most important issue or activity facing you in your school library this fall?"

Dana Fisher - Wed. Oct. 12 to Fri. Oct. 14, 2011

Dana Fisher, an IUPUI SLIS graduate, now lives and works in North Carolina. This year, she moved from a media specialist position at a middle school library to become the libary media specialist at Florence Elementary School in High Point, NC (Both the schools are in the same district). Prior to moving to NC, Dana held a similar position at Tuttle Middle School in Crafordsville, IN.

Dana's unique perspectives include experiences with service learning, problem-based learning, collaborations with teachers, reading promotion activities, and maintaining her personal blogsite: The Quilted Librarian.

It is great to have the participation of a former student who is now working in the school library field. Learn more about Dana:
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/fisher.html

I'm asking Dana the same 'kickoff' question posed to all our blog guests: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Robin Tanis - Tues. Oct. 11 to Thurs. Oct. 13, 2011

Robin Tanis is the Head Librarian at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, GA. At St. Pius, Robin has worked to establish a collaborative partnership with teachers. She was an early pioneer in technology integration bringing computers, automation, and the Internet into the library and then the rest of the school. Robin was the original Webmaster for the school and is still responsible for keeping the Flannery O’Connor Library Website up to date. A new change that she instituted this year is a fan page for the library on Facebook.

Encouraging pleasure reading is a professional interest of Robin’s. Robin is also known for ASPIRE! - - a Summer Reading Enrichment program. She has presented her program at state and national conferences. ASPIRE! was featured in both Knowledge Quest (Sep/Oct 2003, Access to PDF document requires login) and School Library Journal (Jan. 2004). She has established a Teen Library Council to give interested students leadership opportunities. She also moderates the Anime Club.

Asking Robin to respond to the same 'kickoff' question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Learn more about Robin at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/tanis.html.

Maria Savoldi - Mon. Oct. 10 to Wed. Oct. 12, 2011

Maria Savoldi has experience as a classroom teacher, a school library media specialist, and as a county director of instructional media and technology - - much of that as employee of the Glynn County School System, Brunswick, GA. She has also designed and delivered professional learning courses (staff development, teacher training) that foster effective technology integration.

Like most of our guest experts working in the field, Maria often delivers presentations and workshops at state and national conferences and has served in various governance roles in professional organizations.

In 2006 Maria made a career jump to begin working full-time in distance learning / online education. In that arena, she was first employed by the Georgia Virtual School and during the last few years, works for the Mercury Online Academy. Maria now lives in Florida and at Mercury, she is the Manager of Online Instructional Services.

I've also asked Maria to first respond to the 'kickoff question': "What is it that people don't get about your Job?"

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/savoldi.html

Cindy Newton - Wed. Oct. 5 to Fri. Oct 7, 2010

Cindy Newton is the school library media specialist (SLMS) at Connersville Middle School (IN). Her background and expertise contains numerous positive teaching and learning experiences including work as an elementary teacher, followed by expanded technology responsibilities in the same school, and currently directing a successful library media program.

As  a school library media specialist, Cindy collaborates with teachers and assists student research projects. She has initiated and guided several different reading promotions and programs. She also serves as the web master for both the Library Media Center and the Connersville Middle School websites.

Cindy is a frequent presenter at professional conferences such as ILF, ISRA, and ICE. She has been selected as the Fayette County School Corporation'sTeacher of the Year and was named as an IU Armstrong Educator. Recently she was selected to attend a Library of Congress Summer Institute.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/newton.html

I've asked Cindy this year's 'startup' question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Lori Clark-Erickson - Tues. Oct. 4 to Thurs. Oct 6, 2010

Next up on this semester's roster of guests is Lori Clark-Erickson, a teacher librarian at Jackson Hole High School in Wyoming - that's next to Grand Teton National Park, near Yellowstone N.P., and the headwaters of the Snake River.

Lori's library career path included a stint working at the public library and time at a school library paraprofessional position. She returned to school, completed a school library media degree, and a position opened up at the district's high school.

Lori is an enthusiastic and energetic teacher librarian, who enjoys collaborating with teachers, integrating technologies into classroom learning, and teaching information literacy to students.

Learn more about Lori's professional background and interests at her bio information page: http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/clark-erickson.html

As with all our guests this year, I have asked her the startup question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Laura Frondorf - Mon. Oct. 3 to Wed. Oct 5, 2010

A few years back, Laura Frondorf made the career jump from classroom teaching to the library media center. Laura had formerly worked as the grade 6-8 learning disabilities teacher at Brookville Middle School in Franklin County. Today Laura is the LMS at Brookville Middle School (Gr 5 - 8) and Mt. Carmel School (K-8).

Before completing her SLIS degree at IUPUI, Laura holds a degree in special education and a Masters degree in reading. With her strong background in reading and teaching, it's natural that she has plans and orchestrates reading events and promotions at her schools; i.e., book fairs, a book swap, summer reading programs, and author visits. Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/frondorf.html

I'm asking the same 'startup' question of Laura: "What is it that people don't get about your job?" It is okay to add your own inquiry comments at any time during the three day period.

Dennis LeLoup - Wed. Sept. 28 to Fri. Sept. 30, 2011

Kicking off the Fall 2011 series of blog guests is Dennis LeLoup, a school librarian in the Avon Community School Corporation.

Dennis has a wealth of experiences within the state and at national levels with his leadership roles in ALA, AASL, ALSC, and AIME / ILF.

Learn more by visiting the information webpage at

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/leloup.html

To get started this year, I have emailed Dennis a brief question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?" Wait for his response and then join in with your own questions or extended ideas.

Have a great three days sharing information and ideas with Dennis LeLoup.

Laura Frondorf - Mon. Oct. 11 to Wed. Oct. 13, 2010

Wrapping up this fall's schedule of guests is another IUPUI SLIS graduate, Laura Frondorf, who made the career jump from classroom to the library media center. Laura formerly worked as the grade 6-8 learning disabilities teacher at Brookville Middle School in Franklin County. Today Laura is the LMS at Brookville Middle School (Gr 5 - 8) and Mt. Carmel School (K-8).


In addition to the degree in special education, Laura also completed a Masters degrees in reading. So naturally she has planned and orchestrated reading events and promotions at her schools; book fairs, book swap, a summer reading program, and author visits.


Learn more about Laura at 
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/frondorf.html

Susan Eley - Wed. Oct. 6 to Fri. Oct. 8, 2010

Susan Landis Eley is the PreK-4 Library Media Specialist at Hillside School in Mt. Laurel, NJ.

 Susan recently shared three articles that resound with her professional practice and philosophy:

1) Jones, Jami (June 2010). Guest Blogger Jami Jones on Librarians, Caring, and SL Curriculum. School Library Monthly Blog.
"The [most] important role of the school library program is relational, not collecting and housing resources."

2) Valenza, Joyce (Oct 2010). Manifesto for 21st Century Librarians. Voya

3) Valenza, Joyce (Aug 2010). Things Teacher Librarians Should Unlearn (20 & Counting). Never Ending Search, School Library Journal.

Learn more at

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/eley.html

Kym Kramer - Tues. Oct. 5 to Thurs. Oct. 7, 2010

Kym Kramer began her educational career as an elementary teacher and then took a position as a elementary media specialist (Gr. K-5) at Metropolitan School District of Pike Township. More recently she has worked on completing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University - Bloomington.

An award winning teacher and library media specialist, Kym is an adjunct professor in the School of Library and Information Science at IU-B. One of the courses that she teaches during the Spring is S671 School Media. She is an active member of AIME and ILF and is currently running for a position on the ILF Executive Board. Kym has written and published professional articles and made numerous presentations at ALA and AASL.

I'm very pleased that Kym has agreed to give of her time and expertise this semester, joining the class as a guest in these blog interactions. Learn a bit more about Kym at:
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/kramer.html

Cindy Turner - Mon. Oct. 4 to Wed. Oct. 6, 2010

Cindy Turner, an IUPUI SLIS graduate, is the Technology Integration Specialist at the Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore, Texas. She is a former classroom teacher who moved to school media specialist positions first in Indiana and more recently in Tatum, Texas. Cindy then moved to a district-wide media and technology position in Tatum. Her leadership, experience, and expertise led to Cindy to the latest position at the Region 7 ESC serving 106 school districts in the Piney Woods region.

Cindy is a great example of a person whose career path extends beyond the classroom and building level library media position to encompass district and regional responsibilities. I am very pleased that she is joining the class in these virtual interaction sessions.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/cindyturner.html

Cindy Newton - Wed. Sept. 29 to Fri. Oct. 1, 2010

Cindy Newton is the school library media specialist (SLMS) at Connersville Middle School (IN). A recent IUPUI-SLIS graduate, Cindy has numerous positive teaching and learning experiences working first as a elementary teacher, expanding to cover technology responsibilities in the same school, and now directing a successful library media program.

As SLMS, Cindy collaborates with teachers and assists student research projects. She has initiated and guided reading promotions and programs at her school. She also serves as the web master for both the Library Media Center and the Connersville Middle School websites.

Cindy is a frequent presenter at professional conferences such as ILF, ISRA, and ICE. She has been selected as the Fayette County School Corporation's Teacher of the Year and was named as an IU Armstrong Educator. Recently she was selected and attended a Library of Congress Summer Institute.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/newton.html

Dana Fisher - Tues. Sept. 28 to Thurs. Sept. 30, 2010

A recent graduate of IU's SLIS program, Dana Fisher is one of two library media specialists working at Southwest Middle School in High Point, NC. Prior to that, Dana held a similar position at Tuttle Middle School in Crawfordsville, IN. Tuttle M.S. was a one-professional operation in a relatively small town location and today Dana works in a large urban school system.

Dana's unique perspectives include experiences with service learning, problem-based learning, collaborations with teachers, reading promotion activities, and her personal blogsite.

It is great to have the participation of a former student who has recently entered the school library field. Learn more about Dana:
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/fisher.html