If You're Reading This

In Trent Reedy’s latest novel, If You’re Reading This, main character, Mike Wilson's father was killed while serving in Afghanistan eight years earlier when Mike was just seven years old. A few weeks before his 16th birthday, Mike receives an envelope in the mail with no return address.  The envelope contains a letter addressed to him written by his father and begins, “If you’re reading this, then I’m very sorry, but I didn’t make it home. “.  And so begins a series of letters Mike receives from his father (the sender was instructed to send them just before Mike’s 16th birthday), each containing words of wisdom on how to handle issues that may arise as he begins his sophomore year of high school, and each concluding with a mission from his father.  These missions include generic tasks like “try something new” or “do something nice for your mother and sister”.  

The letters arrive sporadically and in between each letter Mike continues to work his part time job at a nearby farm, practices football (without his mother’s knowledge), and struggles to understand a new turn in his relationship with friend, Isma, a young girl in his class who is from Iran. There are multiple conflicts in the story, but the main one involves Mike trying to uncover the identity of the person sending the letters so he can get more information about how his father died and what kind of man his father was.  

Reedy created a realistic, high-school, character who is forced to juggle the ups and down of adolescence in addition to the responsibilities of helping his single mother, who has struggled to move on after the death of her husband.  The pacing of this book was on target as I felt compelled to continue reading as each chapter ended.  Reedy also does an excellent job with the sports scenes, which this football fan appreciated greatly!  It is also apparent that the book was written by someone with first hand experience serving in the military, specifically in  Afghanistan. Mike’s father provides details in the letters of the conditions of the base in which they are staying and how the soldiers’ attitudes toward the Afghans they were protecting gradually changed.   Those scenes were especially poignant.  I liked the fact that the loss Mike experienced happened many years earlier and the focus of the story wasn’t a recent death.  The novel does a great job of showcasing how the loss is continually felt, especially during the difficult transition between childhood and young adulthood.  

In the six years I have been working in my current school, I have known at least one student per year suffer the loss of a parent. I can’t imagine the unbearable loss those children felt, especially at a time in their life when so much parent guidance and support is needed.  Some of those deaths were sudden and unexpected, but a few of them were due to long term illnesses.  While I was reading Reedy’s novel, I couldn't help but think of my own students who have lost a parent and wished/hoped each of them had this wonderful gift that was given to Mike.  The book also reminded me of the continual care we need to provide to students who have lost a parent.  The need isn't just immediate, but ongoing through each stage of adolescence.

This is a wonderful book that captures the frustrations of a teenager trying to please everyone, but also trying to stay true to himself and the memory of his father.  I highly recommend it for middle and high school students.

Promoting the Library, not the Librarian

I know we have still have about 9 weeks left in this school year, but I have been reflecting on what has been accomplished this year.  It’s been a pretty amazing school year beginning with the addition of several hundred iPads on my campus for student and teacher use.  This infusion of technology has been supported by monthly professional development opportunities, discussions on how devices shouldn't trump pedagogy, and has reignited a spark in many of our veteran teachers.  

Our campus also benefited GREATLY this year by the addition of a full time Technology Support Specialist.  This gentleman has been amazing and has freed up much of my time I used to spend on managing devices so I spend more of my time on instructional work: planning with teachers, teaching students, and organizing various programming events.

A 40 Book challenge was introduced along with a genre based system of organization and those two features combined to increase circulation rates of our students.  Maker days finally made an appearance in the library and has been enthusiastically embraced by students, teachers, and parents.  LibraryPalooza, our teen book festival, had it’s most successful year in it’s four year existence, with capacity crowds.  Most recently, the library hosted four of the major candidates for mayor of San Antonio in a community forum to discuss issues facing our city.

So, while this year was a year of great professional accomplishment for me, it hasn't been solely about what I have done as an individual.  It has been much more about highlighting the various ways a school library can change the learning experience.  I hope the events of  this year caused decision makers in my district and state to take a closer look at the multiple ways libraries improve our communities.  I hope this year shattered stereotypes some decision makers may hold of librarians as simply “the keeper of books”.  We librarians need to let all stakeholders, both inside and outside our library walls,  know of the great ways we enrich our communities.  The more people who are aware of the impact we have, the greater the chance we have of becoming that crucial piece no community should be without.  With that in mind, I put an extra emphasis this year on library promotion via social media.  This push has been more successful this year than ever before with over 500 students, parents, teachers, and community members following our Twitter and Instagram accounts. These stakeholders are hearing of the positive experiences the library provides for our community.  I believe it is imperative for librarians to tell our story because if we don’t, someone else will tell it for us and quite possibly, may tell the wrong story. So for those of you out there who are doing amazing things in the library but may be reluctant to "toot your own horn", I urge you to share those experiences. Remember, it's not about promoting the librarian, it's about promoting the library.

In My Toolbox - Canva

In the short time I have been a librarian, I have come to realize that a big part of the job is promotion.  We have to let everyone know the amazing opportunities the library provides our students/clients.  On my campus, my students are visual people.  I think most teenagers like to look at pictures, especially if the picture includes them or their friends.  So visual promotion is a key part of position.

DigiCit poster

One of my "go to" tools I rely on to help me with visual promotion is Canva.  This is a FREE, web-based, design program that I have used to create posters and flyers for upcoming events.  It could also be used to create a one page newsletter or info-graphic.  The benefit of using their pre-designed templates is that the creation process is pretty simple.  In my opinion the ability to import your own images, and the complete creative control you have over your design are some of the strongest features of the tool.  

My 1st attempt at Canva 

 The site allows you to download your completed project as an image or a pdf document.  The integration with various social media platforms including, Instagram, twitter and Facebook is another great feature.

There are so many options for your design- including font choices, color choices, icon choices, etc., that you could spend HOURS perfecting a design, and while that may be a drawback for some, I think it’s a bonus.  I just need to block out lots of time to play and make my design perfect for my audience!  There are plenty of free options on the site to create some amazing designs, but the site also offers elements that require payment.  In the six months I have been using the site, I have yet to find a need for the paid elements.

 One of my favorite Canva creations

When you first begin using Canva there are tutorials to guide you through the process.  Most of the steps are intuitive, but many of the tutorials  offer ideas on how to improve  your design visually and include tips on color coordination, font choices, and visual spacing.

The next time you have a flyer to create, give Canva a try - I think you will be pleased you did!

How a Cheeseball Movie Inspired My Noble Career

I remember watching a made for TV movie when I was a child in the early 1980's.  It was a mystery movie and one scene involved the main character uncovering clues to the mystery while researching in the library.  At that moment, I was hooked. The library seemed magical; a place where answers could be found and the craziness made sane. A place to discover things, important things - that's where I wanted to be.

The public library in my hometown of Pasadena, Tx was this great single story ranch style building. I loved everything about it -from the games and puzzles in the children's section, to the tidy card catalog, to the fascinating microfiche machines that allowed me to look into the past. Mainly, I loved it because every time I entered the doors I imagined myself as a character in that movie searching for clues to life's mysteries.

Pasadena Public Library image from http://ppltx.net/about/history/

Fast forward 34 years and as a middle school librarian, I have an opportunity to recreate that same atmosphere for my students. Although some of the tools have changed, the goal is still the same-assist in the discovery and help make sense of the craziness.  The discoveries may come from fictional texts -finding that character dealing with the same situation as my students. It could be a historical fiction or nonfiction text that leads a student to study the past in an effort to be better prepared for the future. It could be in the various programming features like Creepy Cafe, Library Lounge or Maker Days where students might discover a creative side to their brains that was previously never expressed.

How lucky am I to be in a position to stir up the ideas in my students or provide resources that assist in their discoveries? I want my students to make the connection that libraries are the place where discoveries are unearthed. Their ideas can blossom when supported by the resources the libraries provides. If this generation fails to see the importance of a library, imagine what that means for the future of libraries. We must keep it alive. We must continually promote it as a magical place of discovery, an incubator of ideas, a place where the craziness is made sane.

The rest of the story!

Of course, I tracked down this movie and it starred Parker Stevenson. So honestly, to my 9 yr old self that may have been the source of my fascination with this movie. I even tracked down a full version of this movie on You Tube and actually watched it. Here is where the magic is shattered -SHATTERED!  The librarian in the movie is named Lucielle or Lucinda or some version of Lucy. Before she delivers the crucial information she uncovered through her diligent research, she is tragically crushed to death by the electric gates at the entrance of the creepy, possessed, house! This explains my secret wariness of gated communities and electric gates. So I'm slightly embarrassed to admit, the first spark of inspiration for my passion in my very noble profession is a cheese ball horror show -OMG!!  I choose to see it this way - you never know what will inspire someone. I just need to be sure the library is a place of positive inspiration and stay away from electric gates!

Oldie, But Goodie Book Review: Left for Dead by Pete Nelson and Hunter Scott.

One of my all time favorite movies is the original Jaws. I saw it as a young girl and was appropriately frightened of the ocean for years after I saw the movie. Now, of course, it plays on various channels so I have the chance to watch it at least once a year and always jump when one of the attacks happens.  I bring this up because I recently saw the movie and one of the scenes  in that movie is responsible for an excellent NF book written by Pete Nelson and Hunter Scott, Left For Dead.   

The book details a young man's research into what happened to the USS Indianapolis on the return trip from her secret mission to deliver the atomic bomb to the island of Tinian on July 30, 1945. Hunter Scott, who wrote the forward for the book, was a young man when he was watching Jaws with his father in the mid 1990's. The scene in question is when the three shark hunters are comparing various scars from shark attacks, and Quint, the crusty boat owner, is asked about a tattoo on his forearm. He goes on to explain his experience on the USS Indianapolis. 

The scene prompted Hunter to ask his dad if the story was true. After receiving confirmation that it was, indeed, true he wanted to know more and thought it might be a good topic for an upcoming History Fair project. His initial search turned up nothing, so he took out an advertisement in a local paper asking anyone if they had information on the accident. He was astounded at the reply. His research is detailed in the book and contains first hand accounts of the terrible tragedy that happened as first, the soldiers' ship was torpedoed and then, they were left waiting to be rescued in shark infested waters for THREE days.  His research helped clear the good name of this ship's captain.

The book is so well written, and  there is ALWAYS a hold on the multiple copies I have in the library once I book talk it.  Showing the clip from the movie is a great way to get the students interested and the book itself proves that solid student research that is shared outside the school walls can make a difference. 

Strong Library Programs take a TEAM effort

My mentor, Jennifer Langford

My blog post for February is really a multi-part post, and I only have myself to blame as I haven't kept up with blogging as much as I want to. In my head I craft these great posts-at least twice a month, but they never manage to make it to the computer! However, February 2015 has been a month unlike one I've ever experienced in my professional career, and I feel I must stop and get these thoughts out of my head! It started back in October, when I was approached by a dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Jennifer Langford, who explained to me I was being nominated for the Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA) Library Media Specialist of the Year.  Now, knowing the extremely talented and hardworking librarians that are in my district, I was incredibly honored that I had been selected to represent my district for a chance at this award. The nomination process forced me to reflect on some programs I had implemented the past year and, to an extent, my entire career as a librarian. 

During that reflection a few things became very clear to me: First, I have been tremendously lucky that my persistence (that's the professional term, others may call it stubbornness or something far worse!) with some ideas hasn't caused my emails to be directed to spam folders or my phone number to be added to the do not call list of district administrators! Thank you for continuing to listen.  Your willingness to go beyond the, "we've always done it THIS way" thought process has been very liberating. Thank you Doug Shudde for not running fast and far away from me when I first met you two years ago!

Eric Tobias,  Hector Garcia Middle School principal

Secondly, I can't emphasize enough the importance of a principal who is willing to listen to ideas and allow professionals the room to explore those ideas. What I proposed to my principal two-three years ago had to do with our technology deployment and didn't just involve his approval, but the approval of cabinet level administrators in our district. He believed in the vision enough that he stuck his neck out to propose the plan multiple times, even after we had struck a wall. To have that kind of support is invaluable. So many people talk about taking risks and giving your staff the freedom to take risks, but I have proof now that it's not just talk for my principal. I can't say enough of what it means when I put my professional name on the line to have my principal put his name right alongside mine. The idea I proposed is still in the implementation stage, and it still requires some prodding, but having his name backing me up gives me strength/courage to continue when obstacles appear. He truly has made me a far better professional, forcing me to clarify ideas and consider all points of view while still focusing on my original thought. I am immensely fortunate that our paths have crossed.

Some of the hardworking teachers of HGMS

Thirdly, an idea that involves people other than yourself to see it through requires just the right kind of people. The teachers on my campus have been (for the most part) incredibly receptive to experimenting with new tools. I know it makes some of them uncomfortable, and with their time already stretched thin, their willingness to learn new tools, strategies, and sometimes methods of teaching, makes me so very thankful. I value their time and understand the pressures they are under in terms of curriculum timelines and am so appreciative of their willingness to let me experiment with their classes. An idea remains just an idea until an enthusiastic teacher implements it and it becomes reality. The enthusiasm of just a few on campus, ignites an energetic spark that can only come from a teacher "in the trenches" and THAT is how change is made on campus: proven success in a classroom. 

Finally, looking back at the time I spent teaching in classrooms, planning with teachers, meeting with administrators, fleshing out and tweaking my own ideas all required time outside of the library. I have been fortunate enough to have parents who are able to serve as volunteers in the library so that it remains open serving students who need to checkout books, use the computers, need a quiet place to work or just simply a place they can relax and take a break for a moment. I think of the time I spent outside the library-it certainly wasn't time wasted, but had I been forced to close the library during those times or forced to spend my time shelving books,  I know my idea wouldn't have been implemented the way it has been now. I simply wouldn't have felt comfortable taking the library space and resources away from those students who needed them when I was working outside the library.  Without a library assistant, my volunteers have been a HUGE piece of the success of the library program. As I mentioned earlier, there are so many talented and hardworking librarians in my district and with the extra support an assistant could provide, I have no doubt in my mind they all could bring about amazing changes on their campuses. I hope our district leaders realize that just one person CAN maintain a strong library program, but a library TEAM can bring about changes that go beyond the library walls. We can no longer be satisfied with just maintaining library programs. There is work to be done and it's not just behind a circulation desk.

On February 3, 2015 I humbly accepted the TCEA Library Media Specialist of the Year award. I was, and still am, so honored to have been chosen. I know this truly is a reflection of everyone who has helped me build this strong library program. Without the four groups I mentioned above the program would be still GREAT, but because the four groups have come together, stretched their thinking, and took a few, not-so-small, risks the program is infinitely STRONGER and our students are the great beneficiaries. Thank you - my gratitude is immeasurable!

The beneficiaries of a team that works together to ensure a great library program