Tessa Fox Reads
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Me

When it comes to childhood reading

11/20/2018

2 Comments

 
As an Early Literacy Librarian, I hear a lot of adults talk and ask about what books are age appropriate for their children. There are those parents of kids with advanced reading skills who closely monitor the content of what their children read for fear that the subject matter is too graphic or mature. There are also the parents who couldn't care less about what their child is reading, because really – how bad can a kid be if they want to spend their free time with a book? The later sentiment is one that resonates with me, but it is absolutely up to each parent to decide what is right for their child. 

And then of course there are those archaic rules imposed by some schools or  teachers that kids can only read books that correspond with their particular reading level. I understand the thinking behind this notion, but I cannot help but think it is absolutely crazy. Sure, reading levels are a good way to narrow down the field to match readers with potential books they might like – but it should absolutely not be the determining factor of whether or not they read it. If it's too hard, adults can read along with them to help when needed. If it's too easy, you can let them fly through it and try to steer them in the direction of something a little more challenging when they're done. In my opinion, if a kid wants to read it – let them!  Helping readers discover what they like to read does not always align with their reading level, and it doesn't have to.
​
One thing is for sure – it's never too early to introduce books into a child's life. From the time a child is in the womb to the moment they take their first breath – books can make a profound impact. Below is a beautiful infographic courtesy of MomLovesBest.com about some of the benefits reading has on young minds, and how to encourage your little one to stick their nose in a book. With the holidays quickly approaching, remember that a book is a gift that keeps on giving – especially if it's the right book for the reader. In the words of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science, "Every book its reader, and every reader their book."
​​
2 Comments

May we know them, raise them, be them and READ them!

3/19/2018

0 Comments

 
I love March. It starts to get warmer, the dreariness and the grey begin to seep out of the world and color returns once again. Red robins, blue skies, green grass – and then it's officially spring! But March gets even better, because it means one of my favorite times of the year is here . . .
​

March means National Women's History Month
​and International Women's Day!


​One of my favorite things about being a librarian is getting to do book displays – which not only help match every book with its reader; they also give librarians a chance to boost circulation and highlight important parts of their collection that might otherwise get lost in the stacks. So naturally, March yields some wonderful Girl Power book displays.

I must point out, of course, that March shouldn't be the only time of the year strong girls and women are highlighted in your library – this should be happening every month, just as books about people of color and/or different cultures should be found in book displays year-round, not just during the months designated to honor them.

Whether you're a librarian or not, March can serve as an annual reminder for all of us about *just how important* it is to see ALL girls (and boys and others – but largely, girls) of ALL kinds represented in the media we consume and willingly and/or otherwise allow the future generation to consume!

So without any further ado, here are some of the titles I've been paying extra attention to displaying this month! Broken down into five categories, these are a few of my favorite picture books that promote women's history, feminism, bravery, strength and independence to our youngest library patrons – male, female or anything beyond and in-between!

​Brains, Beauty AND Bravado 

Picture
"Beautiful" written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff / Published by Running Press Kids, 2016
Here are some of my favorite picture books that inspire girls to be bold, smart and strong, in addition to helping them find/embrace self-love and the true, inner beauty of themselves and others.
​
Picture

I Am Enough (2018)
by Grace Byers

A self-affirming text featuring girls of all colors, sizes and abilities, this book reminds girls that regardless of what others say (or what you might sometimes think about yourself): YOU ARE ENOUGH! This lyrical ode to being yourself, loving who you are, and treating others with kindness and respect makes it a picture book that I think everyone could use right now!

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon (1994)
​by Patty Lovell

This endearing story (only a few years younger than myself)  is about a little girl who proves she's "big" in lots of other, special ways – much in thanks to her healthy and loving relationship with her wise grandmother. This book provides excellent reinforcement about the power and importance of nurturing healthy relationships between multi-generational women.
​
​
Picture
Picture

Beautiful (2016)
​by Stacy McAnulty

A truly adorable book with tremendous, inclusive illustrations that show the many different ways girls are beautiful. As the back of the book explains, it's not all about your clothes, your hair, your style. It's all about WHO YOU ARE.

NOTE: This one may be my all-time favorite Girl Power picture book EVER! I've bought this book multiple times as birthday presents for the young girls in my life, because it is a book that could and should be shared aloud together, again and again.
​

Future Leaders & Early Activists

Picture
"The Pink Hat" written and illustrated by Andrew Noyner / Published by Random House/Schwartz & Wade, 2018
Here are a few of my favorites that emphasize taking the power to the streets (and polls!), and will surely inspire future generations to be politically active, stand up and be heard, and whenever possible – lend a literal or metaphorical mic to someone else's voice that isn't otherwise being heard, perhaps maybe even because of the sound of your own.

Grace for President (2008)
by Kelly DiPucchio

Perhaps one of the better known contemporary Girl Power picture books, Grace for President serves as a fun and understandable childhood introduction to the American electoral system. But even more importantly, this book also teaches children the value of supporting brave and hardworking leaders who listen to and fight for their constituents. And in this book, that leader just so happens to be a young black girl​ named Grace, not her white, male opponent.
Picture
Picture

The Pink Hat (2018)
​by Andrew Joyner

The Pink Hat was inspired by the 5 million people (many of them children) in 82 countries who participated in the 2017 Women's March. This timely and adorable story is empowering and promotes strength in a diverse and active feminist community, beginning at a young age.

NOTE: I'm willing to bet that this will be one of my favorite picture books of 2018, and we're only a quarter through the year! The first time I read this book after I ordered it for my library, I could not stop smiling, almost cried, and then ran around showing it to my colleagues before reading it again. 

Malala's Magic Pencil (2017)
by Malala Yousafzai

I mean . . . is it even an option to not include a book about (AND BY) Malala in this section? If she hasn't exemplified what a Phenomenal Woman can be . . . I just don't know who has!

Malala's recent book details how her desire and drive for equality and girlhood education ultimately almost cost her her life, but it also led to her becoming the youngest recipient of Nobel Peace Prize at just 17 years old.

NOTE: I sometimes hear/see parents steering their child(ren) away from particular books, not dissimilar to this one, because they address "more adult topics" like violence and oppression. OK. It's your child – it's your right. But wasn't Malala herself just a child when what she writes about took place? Clearly, some children don't have the privilege to ignore those "adult topics," and can still flourish and grow into someone as amazing as Malala.
Picture

Full STEAM Ahead, Girls

Picture
"Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire" written by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville and illustrated by Brigette Barrager / Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – they're all important fields that no child should be dissuaded from pursuing on the grounds of their identifying gender. Here are a few STEAM books that show young girls that female success in male-dominated fields is possible and important!
​
​
Picture

Ada Twist, Scientist (2016)
​
by Andrea Beaty

"'Why does it tick and why does it tock?' 'Why don't we call it a grandDAUGHTER clock?' 'Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose?' 'Why are there hairs up inside of your nose?' 

She started with 'Why?' and then 'What?' 'How?' and 'When?' By bedtime she came back to 'Why?' once again. She drifted to sleep as her dazed parents smiled at the curious thoughts of their curious child, who wanted to know what the world was about. They kissed her and whispered, 'Figure it out,'" -Ada Twist, Scientist
​

For another endearing and aspirational book about girls and STEAM, be sure to check out another of Beaty's books: Rosie Revere, Engineer! They both make great gifts for the curious and knowledge-hungry youngsters in your life.​

The Girl Who Thought in
Pictures: The Story of
​Dr. Temple Grandin
 (2017)
​by Julia Finley Mosca

As such a great, colorful and rhythmic piece of Girl Power nonfiction, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures just has to be included in this section.

​When young Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in a field like modern science, which is heavily dominated by men. But yet, somehow the determined visual thinker did just that, and proved that people on the autism spectrum can and will accomplish incredible things!
Picture
Picture

Pocket Full of Colors: The
Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire 

(2017) by Amy Guglielmo and
Jacqueline Tourville

This story reinforces the idea that well-behaved women seldom make history. Disney artist Mary Blair was a renegade and a rule breaker from the start. During a time when movie studios wanted to hire men and think only in black and white, Mary shook things up by painting twinkling emerald skies, peach giraffes with tangerine spots, and magenta horses that could fly. Without her contributions, today's Disney products might not ever have become quite so magical.

Pretty Princess in Pink & Beyond

Picture
"Not All Princesses Dress in Pink" written by Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple and illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin / Published by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010
There's nothing inherently wrong with girls liking pink or wanting to be a princess when they grow up. But when the vast majority of mass media and popular culture teaches girls that this is what they are SUPPOSED to like or that girls are the only one's who can like it . . . that's where I take issue. Here are a few not-so-pink and perfect stories to show just how bad ass princesses can be.

Not Every Princess (2013)
by Jeffery and Lisa Bone

This lovely book asks children who they want to be and where would they like to play, rather than what they are ascribed or told. What makes this selection even more useful is the included is "Note to Parents and Caregivers" that is filled with useful advice and strategies to help children engage in imaginative play, and ultimately envision and inspire themselves beyond the limited roles and expectations that gender stereotypes create.
Picture
Picture

The Paper Bag Princess (1980)
​by Robert Munsch

In traditional princess books and movies, the seemingly helpless girl is always waiting for her Prince Charming to arrive and save the day – but not The Paper Bag Princess. Not only does she spend little time worrying about her material possessions or appearance (something that causes great alarm to her perspective suitor Prince Ronald), she also doesn't wait around for a man to come solve her problems. Instead, our princess uses her brains to outwit a scheming dragon, and eventually tells her hopeful Prince Charming to buzz off!

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink​ (2010) by Jane Yolen and Heidi
Elisabet Yolen Stemple

Another personal all-time favorite, this book proves that girls can jump in mud puddles, climb trees, play sports and make messes – all while wearing their tiaras if they want! As the Goodreads book summary states, "Not every girl has a passion for pink, but all young ladies will love this empowering affirmation of their importance and unlimited potential." What makes this story even more special is that it was co-written by a mother and daughter! How sweet and lucky they both must feel to have each other and to have created this book together.
Picture

Our Foremothers & Trailblazers

Picture
"I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark​" written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley / Published by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016
Girls are so often told to be nice, quiet and obedient while growing up. But thanks to a few noisy and persistent women banging the drum and demanding to be heard throughout history, we now are in a position where we are having mainstream conversations about equality and representation. Without these brave women paving the way for us, I don't know that we would be able to say the same.
Picture

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the
​World
 (2018) by Susan Hood

This new title from Susan Hood not only talks the talk – it walks the walk. The entire book was written, illustrated, edited and designed entirely by women. How cool is that? What's even cooler is the book introduces readers to 14 revolutionary young women – each paired with a noteworthy female artist – that will inspire the next generation of activists, trail-blazers, and rabble-rousers.

The persistent women featured in the book include the following: Selina Alko, Sophie Blackall, Lisa Brown, Hadley Hooper, Emily Winfield Martin, Oge Mora, Julie Morstad, Sara Palacios, LeUyen Pham, Erin Robinson, Isabel Roxas, Shadra Strickland and Melissa Sweet.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark​ (2016)
​by Debbie Levy

There's a living legend on the Supreme Court who goes by a lot of different names: Some call her "Ruth," others say "Justice Ginsburg," but I'll always prefer "the Notorious RBG." And boy, what I wouldn't give to shake her 85-year-old hand!

In this first picture book about her life, RBG proves that girls can say no(!), and that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable. Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime as a woman dissenter in a male-dominated world, and her story is one that is truly incredible. When asked if there will ever be enough women on the Supreme Court, RBG replied: "When there are nine." Think of how many times in history there were nine men on the bench and no one though anything of it! If that quote alone doesn't already make you love her, then this book will fuel your feminist fire even more.
Picture
Picture

She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History  (2018) by Chelsea Clinton

Earlier this month Chelsea Clinton published a new follow-up to her highly acclaimed 2017 nonfiction children's book called ​She Persisted. Similar to its predecessor, this book offers another collection of great biographical information about real women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail – persisted. It is these women who helped rewrite history (*HERstory) around the globe, and they are surely worth celebrating. 

NOTE: This book is a great resource for learning about international female leaders and activists who children aren't generally taught about in school. For slightly older readers, I also recommend: Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by ​Kate Schatz 

What are some of your favorite Girl Power books? Share them with me using #TessaFoxReads

0 Comments

2018: A new year, a new focus

2/1/2018

3 Comments

 

Happy 2018!


​. . . But Tessa, today's the first day of February – you're a little behind –
​

– Like I said, 'Happy 2018!' 


As my crazy, hectic and totally insane 2017 came to a close, one of my intentions I set for the New Year was to blog more regularly – at least once a month. As we've just mentioned, I have already failed that goal now that we've entered the second month of the year and I am just making my first post of 2018. But I figured if I used not posting in January as an excuse to abandon something I really wanted to do, than that would be pretty stupid. So here we are – February 1st, 2018. 

I've made a million excuses about how and why I've only had one post in 2017 – and that was the first in almost a year before that . . . Yikes! Life happened! After some reflection I realized the scope of my blog was just too broad to try and dial it in for consistently good and varied posts each week (which, to my credit, I had been doing for about two years before I started working full-time). I was burned out, so I let the blog slide – and there's nothing wrong with that. After all, you got to put your own well-being first!

As I was gearing up for 2018 I realized that if I really wanted to stick to my intention of working more mindfully and consistently with my blog, I would need to become more inspired and motivated to regularly carve out some time to do so.

That being said, there's one topic within the realm of public libraries, within the deeper realm of youth services, within the still deeper realm of youth materials that I never shut up about – and that is the diversity, authenticity and intersectionality of children's books. I mean, really this is true of all books and media, but picture books are the best and one of the biggest reasons I became a youth librarian . . . so that will likely be the majority of what I'm talking about.

1) Diversity: Who is being represented in these books? Why does a person of color, or varied abilities tend to be a sub-character, instead of the main protagonist? Are librarians including books about LGBTQ history as part of their "Celebrating American's History" book displays, or only during PRIDE week? Is HERstory included in your HIStory collection?

2) Authenticity: Who is the one telling those stories, and how are they telling them? It's not enough for an author/illustrator to simply give a few characters darker skin – the characters need to be written like they have darker skin and have lived the lives of someone with dark skin (This on top of avoiding stereotypes). As much as race is a socially constructed concept, it provides different worldviews and how the world views you. Those real experiences need to be taken into account by authors and illustrators – especially if they are coming from a culture different than the one they are working with. Coloring a character's skin a few shades darker as an after thought or a half-hearted attempt to be diverse is not enough! #WeNeedDiverseBooks!

3) Intersectionality: Life is complicated. Characters should be too! People are not just about one thing or the other. There can be a character who is muslim and gay, someone who is bi-racial and deaf, someone who checks more than one box – because, guess what? That's real life.


These three components of representation are essential to keep in mind while evaluating, consuming and purchasing media – whether its selecting a library book or anything else in your everyday life. So from now own, I'll be using this platform to dig into these topics a little deeper for myself, other library professionals, and anyone else who feels like reading! 

From providing multicultural book lists to tips on how to make storytimes more inclusive, my goal for this blog is for it to help keep the conversation going, to get people thinking more critically about representation, and to ensure that everyone feels they can see themselves represented on their library's bookshelves
!

​Write soon (I promise – for real this time!),
​-Tessa
3 Comments

Exciting news: I got hired as a full-time youth librarian!

9/21/2016

4 Comments

 

Paid vacation, sick time, health insurance - OH MY!

I'm thrilled to announce that earlier this week I accepted my first full-time job offer as the new youth librarian at the Community Library in Salem and Twin Lakes! That means going from two part-time library jobs down to just one – essentially cutting my commute time in half! Did I mention I'll be getting a substantial raise in addition to the fact that now I'll be getting paid to do what I love for 40 hours a week? It almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
Since I've already been working at the Community Library part-time for two years and grew up visiting the Salem branch, I'm very familiar with the library's patrons. But now that I get to turn my attention from working with adults toward serving children and teens, I'm even more excited because I get to help kids in the area where I grew up foster their love for reading and thus, learning.

​From strengthening and creating new children and teen programs to doing local school and daycare outreach visits; diversifying the youth collection and hopefully getting some new educational play materials at each location, I have high hopes that what I aim to achieve in this new position will help bolster my ever-growing youth librarianship skills, many of which were built during my youth services internship at the 
South Milwaukee Public Library, where today I worked my last shift. 
Picture
The Community Library, located in Salem, Wis.
Almost exactly two years ago I started this website. A few weeks after that I got my first library job and a couple months later I found myself in graduate school. In a few more months I will officially have my Master's in Library and Information Science and it's incredibly comforting to know I already have a full-time job in my field under my belt. 

Thank you to all my family and friends for supporting me – especially my parents, librarians and teachers who encouraged my love for reading since before I could even hold a book, let alone read. I also need to extend a huge thanks to everyone at the Community Library and South Milwaukee Public Library for helping me start my professional career off with a strong foundation and I can't wait to see where it takes me next! Here's to another new chapter!
4 Comments

Pokémon Go: 'Gotta catch 'em all' at your local library

7/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo via Akron-Summit County Public Library's Facebook.
So I realized I only posted one blog entry in June and now  July is almost over and I still have yet to publish anything new! This summer is flying by, and I'll be honest —​ I've been spending my time enjoying it rather than blogging ... not that blogging isn't enjoyable, haha.

One of the latest crazes to surface during my blogging hiatus is the Pokémon Go phenomenon. And while I personally don't want to waste my time, data or phone battery playing the game, I can already tell you that I love it. Why? Because it is a perfect match for public libraries.

Perhaps the best way to familiarize people with the library's resources and services is to get them in the door. Once you get someone inside, it's almost impossible for them to not find something of interest. And Pokémon Go is definitely bringing people into the library — particularly millennials who might not regularly step foot inside a brick-and-mortar library branch.
Picture
Photo via Community Library's Facebook.
Whoever was responsible for deciding to make public libraries Pokéstops and/or Poké Gyms deserves a high five, a bear hug, a pat on the back and maybe a foot massage too. This decision is not only bringing people into the library, but it's giving librarians new and creative programming ideas as well. Some libraries have even reinvigorated their old Pokémon clubs in addition to creating new programming for the next generation of Pokémon enthusiasts. Between hosting group walks to catch Pokémon, setting off lures and inviting people to libraries to battle for control of a gym, this new mobile game is breathing some fresh air into youth services provided by libraries everywhere.

Well there's no telling just how long this trend will stay in the spotlight, public libraries have been quick to embrace the mobile game's growing popularity. While Pokémon originally got big in the early 2000s, many libraries have seen a rise in circulation for their Pokémon materials since the games exponentially successful launch earlier this month.

We'll see how long Pokémon Go remains a "thing," but I'd be willing to bet a super rare Pokémon that it won't be nearly as long as public libraries last!
0 Comments

Bookish Halloween: 20 easy literary character costume ideas

10/28/2015

1 Comment

 
Halloween is almost here! With less just a few days left until my favorite holiday, I thought I'd share some literary inspiration with the procrastinators out there who still haven't chosen a costume. Already know what you're dressing up as? Here are some ideas for next year! They're fun, easy and great conversation starters for all your All Hallow's Eve extravaganzas. Like most people, I did not come up with the majority of these ideas but used this fancy thing called the World Wide Web to find some pretty neat costumes!.
​

1) Nancy Drew and/or the Hardy Boy(s)

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
A great couple's costume for the super sleuths out there!

2) Strega Nona

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Endless pasta as a costume accessory? Sign me up!

3) Harold and the Purple Crayon

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Perfect for couples with a young child (or two - one can be the crayon)!

4) Eleanor & Park

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Who doesn't love this YA duo?

5) Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations

Picture
Source: Pinterest
A good excuse to bust out that wedding dress in the back of your closet!

6) The Old Man and the Sea

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
I wish I could take the credit for coming up with this punny one.

7) A greaser from S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders​

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Bonus: You can be Ponyboy Curtis this year, and Danny Zuko the next!

8) Harriet the Spy

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
My alter ego as a child and a very practical costume if rain is in your Halloween forecast!

9) Madeline

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Whether or not you have 12 little girls in two straight lines, this Madeline ​is adorable!

10) Harry Potter & his crew

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Ten points will be rewarded to the house of your choosing if you can recite all of Rowling's spells.

11) The Paper Bag Princess

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
The smallest amount of effort is required for this one. 

12) Your favorite Dr. Seuss character

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
From Thing 1 to Thing 2, the Cat in the Hat to Sam I Am - you're sure to start a heated debate about the best Dr. Seuss book at your Halloween celebration with one of these costumes!

13) Pete the Cat

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Purrfect for the cat AND children's book lovers out there!

14) Release your inner Wild Thing

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
This one takes a little bit more effort. I think I'll save it until I have more costume prep time and
maybe a little wild thing of my own to take Trick-or-Treating!

15) Arthur & friends

Picture
Source: Pinterest
"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!"

16) Captain Underpants!

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Who wouldn't want to walk around in next to nothing besides giant underwear and a cape? 

17) Frodo & Co.

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Choose a hobbit, Gandalf, Legolas or Gollum if you're looking to find "your precious" on All Hallow's Eve. This makes for a great group costume in Middle Earth and beyond!

18) A Bookworm

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Bookworms are great at all ages - but this costume is particularly cute for the bookish babies out there.

19) The Fiction Fairy

Picture
Source: Pinterest
This one would take a little bit more effort, but it's so adorable it just might be worth it.

20) "Reading Rainbow"

Picture
Source: Pinterest
"Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high!"

​

What are you dressing up as this Halloween? Tweet me your response @TessaFoxReads or leave a comment below!

1 Comment

Landing my first youth services position at a public library

8/24/2015

0 Comments

 
Hello dear reader, and happy Monday! I have some pretty exciting news: You're reading the words of the South Milwaukee Public Library's new youth services intern! After three different interviews for entry-level youth services positions at public libraries across southeastern Wisconsin, I've finally managed to land a position that will serve as a giant stepping stone toward working as a youth services librarian full-time after finishing graduate school.
The South Milwaukee Public Library recently hired a new youth services librarian and a new library director, so I'm extremely excited to be joining the team as they make some big changes to the institution, including an intensive update to the children's collection, redesigning the children's room and implementing new youth programming. 

Today was my first day on the job and I got a pretty good look at what I'll be doing during the 12 hours a week I will be working in South Milwaukee. In my new position I will be answering reference questions, providing reader’s advisory, assisting patrons in the use of library resources and helping with the planning, advertising and implementation of children's programming. This internship will also allow me to gain valuable experience with collection development projects like selecting, weeding and cataloging library materials.
Picture
I will still be working as a library assistant at the Community Library locations in Salem, Twin Lakes and Silver Lake; however, I am extremely excited to be able to start working more directly with children and their parents at the South Milwaukee Public Library. I am especially looking forward to leading storytime programs for kids of all ages. Now all I have to do is find a way to juggle these two library positions on top of going to grad school full-time and attempting to keep up with this blog on a regular basis . . . Good thing I'm going on vacation next week – I have a feeling it's going to be the last of my relaxation time for quite a while! 

0 Comments

Libraries aren't the only ones with summer reading programs

8/5/2015

0 Comments

 
It's somehow already August (!?!) and that means the summer is going to be over before we know it! But don't break out the back to school supplies just yet – there's still plenty of time for trips to the beach, weekend getaways and, of course, summer visits to your local library!

It's no secret that summertime is when public libraries shine most. Ask any youth services librarian and they will tell you it's hands down their busiest time of year. Not only do summer reading programs like those offered by libraries decrease the effects of summer slide, they also are a great opportunity for kids (and adults) to foster their love of literacy and win some cool prizes in the process!

Of course, libraries aren't the only ones with some awesome summer reading programs – and there is still time to take advantage of many of them before those trees change from green to brown. Here are a few other neat summer reading programs going on across the nation.

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program 2015

This year Barnes & Nobel's Summer Reading Program, "Imagination's Destination," rewards children in grades 1-6 for reading eight books over the summer by giving them another book for free! There is a wide variety of free books to choose from, but hurry up and get reading! This chance to win a free book ends September 7th.
Picture

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge 2015

Picture
The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge asks kids to "Power Up and Read" to set a new world reading record! Kids go online to log their reading minutes where they'll also be able to take weekly challenges and earn rewards. The elementary and middle schools who log the most minutes win visits from authors Michael Northrop (Trapped, the TombQuest series) and Varian Johnson (The Great Greene Heist, Saving Maddie), respectively. But don't delay –
this reading challenge ends September 4th.

Sylvan's Book Adventure Reading Program

OK, so this one isn't technically a summer reading program because it goes on all year long – but how great is that?! Book Adventure tests children's reading comprehension by asking them to take quizzes about the books they read. After they've gotten all the questions right on the quiz (one retake is allowed), they'll be awarded points which can be traded in for prizes such as temporary tattoos, a chocolate bar, a free three-month subscription to Highlights and more!
Picture


So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and get reading today!

Click here to discover more summer reading programs!

0 Comments

Replacing the children's books adults fear and kids hold dear

6/12/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
First published in 1942, "The Pokey Little Puppy" is one of the best-selling and most overrated books of all time.
I was recently reading something posted in a Facebook group for librarians in which a bunch of my fellow book lovers were discussing the stories they dreaded reading aloud to children. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly to some, quite a few of the mentioned titles were some of the most iconic books for kids, including Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Marcus Pfizer's The Rainbow Fish. Even Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree was mentioned!

These titles, and others like them, were generally brought up by librarians because they felt that the books were too slow, too dull, or sometimes just plain old creepy. And while it would go against my moral code to say I could hate reading a book to a child ... I can see what my colleagues are saying – and they're not the only ones.
Gabriel Roth recently published a Slate article called, Why So Poky? The Scourge of Terrible Canonical Children’s Books, in which he shares his experiences reading with his young daughter. In the hilarious article, Roth unabashedly states:

"The problem is that young children have terrible taste and enjoy garbage. Another problem, which compounds the first problem, is that they want to hear the same books hundreds of times in a row. So for all the joys that storytime can offer, it frequently entails a kind of dismal self-abnegation that’s too excruciating even to describe as tedium – an actively painful sense of my precious time on earth being torn from my chest and tossed into a furnace," – Roth, Slate.

In his article, Roth is referring particularly to The Poky Little Puppy, one of history's best-selling children's books. And while kids may enjoy the story of the cute little canine, adults oftentimes see the book as being pointless, boring and lacking any real moral. As one of the original 12 Little Golden Books first published in 1942, this story has been passed down from generation to generation – but not because it is a captivating story. As Roth explains, the book's popularity and sales persist solely because of nostalgia. He goes on to write:

"Millions of people enjoyed The Poky Little Puppy as children, because it was cheap and because, being children, they had no standards. They grew up to be parents, remembered the book fondly from childhood, and purchased it for their own children," – Roth, Slate.

This "inter-generational cycle of crap," as Roth so aptly calls it, is what makes a lot of popular children's books be read over and over again (maybe to the chagrin of their parents and librarians). So what can we do to break the cycle? Replace those books with better suggestions!

A FlavorWire.com article written by Emily Temple picked up where Roth left off and recommends some great alternatives to those canonical classics adults dread and children love. Instead of The Poky Little Puppy, Temple suggests The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg – "A highly satisfying story in which a mean dentist gets his due AND there’s a cute dog to look at AND there are Van Allsburg’s typical hazy-wondrous illustrations," writes Temple.

As the article suggests, maybe it's time to retire Robert Munsch's Love You Forever in exchange for Wild by Emily Hughes, an adorable picture book about a little girl who has known nothing but nature from birth. Perhaps one should swap out Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea for The Princess Who Saved Herself by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, a book inspiring girls to be their own heroes. After all, shouldn't storytime be enjoyable for everyone involved?

To view all of Temple's suggestions to replace those lovable but lackluster titles, click here.


Instead of this ...

... Try this!

Picture
"Well, obviously, real princesses are SO delicate that they’d feel a pea under 20 mattresses. And only the most delicate ladies are worthwhile marriage material for princes. That all aside, there’s not even a twist to this one," – Emily Temple, FlavorWire.com
Picture
"Now there’s a princess worthy of marriage (later, whenever she wants to get married) (and also, who cares, because marriage is not a prize for women or a benchmark for life). Let’s just say, that’s a real princess," – Emily Temple, FlavorWire.com
0 Comments

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the Super Summer Reading Program!

5/27/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

SUPER SUMMER READING 2015

Picture
Superheroes are sweeping public libraries across the country with this year's summer reading program! With separate categories for kids, teens and adults, summer reading programs are a great way to beat the heat and get the whole family reading. Not only will you meet new heroes and heroines through books, but you just might discover some new superpowers of your own (and win a few prizes too)!

Below are the details for the summer reading program at the Community Library, where I work. The kids and teen summer reading programs run from June 8-August 7, and the adult program runs from June 8-July 13. Similar programs can be found at your local library.
Picture
"Every Hero Has a Story"
Kids (ages 0-11)
Kids will be given a bingo-style reading log. Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal bingo to receive a program completion prize! Extra bingo forms mean extra entries in the grand prize drawing. Prizes are available while supplies last. This year's grand prize is four tickets to Discovery World in Milwaukee.
"Escape the Ordinary"
Teens (ages 12-18)
Teenagers will be given a bingo-style reading log. Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal bingo to receive a prize! More bingo forms mean more entries in the grand prize drawing. The grand prize is a certificate for four VIP wristbands, pizza, and pop at America's Action Territory in Kenosha. 
Picture
Picture
"Escape the Ordinary"
Adults (ages 19+)
As part of the annual summer reading program, read or listen to books to enter weekly drawings and win prizes. The grand prize is a Kindle Paperwhite. Patrons who turn in at least three weekly drawing slips will be eligible to win. 
As the Community Library explains in its program brochure, this year's summer reading program theme aims to, "celebrate heroes of all ages who walk through the doors of the library each day; the heroes who have made their marks on history; the heroes who keep our communities safe, clean, and productive; and high-profile superheroes. From the youngest child to the strongest, mightiest crusader, each and every hero has his or her own story to tell."

What are you reading this summer? Tweet me @TessaFoxReads or use #TessaFoxReads.

Images via Collaborative Summer Library Program
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Tessa Fox is the Early Literacy Librarian at the Kenosha Public Library. After working in the journalism and publishing fields, Tessa decided to dedicate her life to books and public librarianship, and went back to school to get her Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she graduated in December 2016. Tessa has been working in public libraries since 2014. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are mine alone and do not reflect those of my employer.


    Connect with me online!

    Picture

    Picture
    Picture

    Picture

    Tweets by @TessaFoxReads

    Archives

    April 2020
    December 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    July 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014


    Categories

    All
    Adult
    Audiobooks
    Banned Books
    Best Picture Books Of The Year
    Book Contests
    Book Crafts
    Book Displays
    Book Lists
    Book News
    Book Reviews
    Books
    Bookshelves
    Bookstores
    Booktalking
    Book Trivia
    Children
    Children's Books
    Community Library
    Diversity And Inclusion
    DIY
    Fantasy
    Favorite Books
    Feminism
    Fiction
    Girl Power Books
    Halloween
    Historical Fiction
    Horror
    Humor
    Kenosha
    Kenosha Public Library
    Librarian
    Librarianship
    Libraries Now A Day In The Life
    Library
    Library And Information Science
    Library Contests
    Library Ideas
    Library Internships
    Library News
    Library Programs
    Mainstream Fiction
    Mike De Sisti
    Milwaukee
    Milwaukee Public Library
    MLIS
    Mobile Libraries
    Movies
    MPL Express
    Mystery
    Nonfiction
    Personal
    Picture Books
    Poetry
    Politics
    Public Library
    Quotations
    Reading
    Refurbished Furniture
    Representation
    Romance
    Science Fiction
    Sci-Fi
    Seasonal
    Self-publishing
    Social Media
    South Milwaukee Public Library
    Storytime
    Summer Reading Programs
    Technology
    Television
    The Journal Sentinel
    Thriller
    UWM Grad School
    UWM School Of Information Studies
    Video
    Webinars
    Western
    What I'm Reading
    Why Books Matter
    Why Libraries Matter
    Women's Fiction
    Writing
    Young Adult
    Youth Services

    RSS Feed