“Mom, where’s my book?” A couple of years ago, my then-kindergarten son asked this question. No amount of searching could unearth the missing book from his school library, so we took $4.00 from his bank and paid the lost item cost. He was, naturally, frustrated – both that the book was missing and that […]
Tag Archives: @LibrarianArika
January
30
Top 10 (or so) Chapter Books for Transitioning Readers by Arika Dickens
posted by CBethM
As an elementary teacher-librarian and a mother of two young readers ages 6 and 8, finding entry-level chapter books that have both a kid-friendly design (white space, font size, spacing, illustrations) and engaging characters/plot has been daunting. But it can be done. Below are 10 sure-fire hits in my school and home for the transitioning […]
May
16
Top Ten Things Lit Lessons I’ve Learned from Students by Arika Dickens
posted by CBethM
As an elementary teacher-librarian, I instruct many students over the course of the year. More important, though, may be the lit-lessons I’ve learned from students. Over the last 10+ years, here are ten that stand out: Series are King “Where are the My Weird School books?” “Do you have Piggie and Elephant?” “Is […]
December
12
Underpants Are Optional. Diversity Isn’t. by Arika Dickens
posted by CBethM
It starts with underpants. Because regardless of type or style, you (usually) have underpants. So it’s a bit surprising – and certainly unforgettable – on a day that you don’t. “Do you have any Captain Underpants books?” Ten years ago, I was hired as an elementary librarian. School had already been in session for a […]
Nerdy Book Club 