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As school librarians, we juggle so much – circulation, shelving, displays, and helping our students find the perfect book to spark their curiosity. It’s a lot to handle and, some days, it can feel like you need an extra set of hands (or five). That’s where library helpers come in! They’re the secret to keeping your library running smoothly while giving students a sense of ownership and responsibility. Whether it’s shelving books or organizing supplies, library helpers can transform your space into a more efficient and welcoming environment. Today, I’m sharing some tips and guidance for how to get library helpers started in your library! Why Library Helpers Are a Game-Changer Having library helpers has completely changed how I manage my library. They don’t just take a load off my plate. They also make the library feel like a shared space where everyone contributes. These student volunteers bring so
If you’ve ever watched your kiddos light up when they connect with a story, you know how powerful books can be. When I introduce different types of genres in the school library, it’s a chance to open the door to new worlds, big ideas, and unforgettable adventures. Picture and chapter books are great for lessons because they’re perfect for breaking down genre elements while keeping children engaged. Whether you’re working with primary students or upper elementary readers, there’s something magical about finding just the right book to bring a genre to life. Today, I’m sharing some favorites that I use when teaching the different types of genres to my students. Breaking Down the Types of Genres Before diving into book recommendations, let’s take a moment to break down what makes up each genre. Understanding the key features of each genre helps our students recognize patterns and appreciate the storytelling
The Caldecott Medal winner will be revealed on January 27th, 2025. Each year, I compile my own list of potential contenders. While I haven’t read as many books as the committee, I’ve selected 15 titles I believe are strong candidates. These books are listed in alphabetical order, and at the end of this post, I’ll share my top three picks for the Caldecott Medal. Don’t forget to explore my other Caldecott blog posts for more insights! Being Home by Traci Sorrell This book portrays the journey of a young Cherokee girl and her mother as they return to their homeland. As she prepares for the road trip, she draws the different landscapes she sees out her window. She is excited for the journey to end so she can be with her family and start life in a different home. The illustrations enhance the narrative with vivid depictions of landscapes
Have you checked out my blog post about the amazing benefits of hosting a Literati Book Fair? If you’re still undecided about whether a Literati fair is the perfect fit for your school, here’s an exciting opportunity to learn more and win big! By signing up to receive more information, you’ll not only discover how a Literati fair can benefit your school but also get a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card! 🎉 How exciting is that? Entering is quick and easy. Just click this link and complete the Google form. That’s all it takes to be in the running. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn and win! The last day to enter is December 31st. A winner will be announced in early January. Benefits of a Literati Book Fair Terms and Conditions Click here to read the full terms and conditions. New customers
The options for hosting a book fair have always been limited. Just like me, I am sure many of you have a love/hate relationship with your book fair company. Parents and students love the experience of a traditional book fair but it has been difficult to find an alternative that provides that same type of experience. Until now. Literati Book Fairs is an easy to manage and financially rewarding alternative. Read below to find out why you might want to consider breaking up with your current book fair company. Set-up and Delivery Set-up couldn’t be easier with a Literati Book Fair. Prepare your space ahead of time, and in less than an hour you’ll have your book fair ready to go. Move the cases, arrange your table displays, and just like that, you’ll be open for business. Decorating? You’ll even have time for that. Delivery and pickup are pre-scheduled.
Tragedy and loss are not reserved for adults. Even our youngest students can walk these paths and be left with the overwhelm of processing their feelings and emotions. From natural disasters to the unexpected loss of a loved one, we can help our students in these unchartered territories. Events like these leave more than just physical damage. They also leave emotional scars, especially for young ones dealing with sudden loss. It can be tough for our kiddos to process these experiences. As educators, we’re always looking for ways to support them. One of my favorite ways to reach them is through books. Stories can be incredibly healing, helping our kiddos find words for their feelings, see that they’re not alone, and inspire hope and resilience. Today, I’m sharing a mix of picture and chapter books to help kids that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful for navigating loss and

Keeping Cool in the Library is my blog, where I share my passion for fostering a love of reading with children. As a librarian, I believe reading should be fun and accessible to all students. That’s why I share engaging and interactive lesson plans, creative ways to build exciting library collections, and resources to inspire even the most reluctant readers in any classroom or library. Check out my blog posts and products in my store, and join my email list below.

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