It may be part of the canon in terms of advisory texts on children’s literature, but it’s one of the most important tools I have as a librarian. The School Library Journal website is not to be missed. It’s the first website I go to when I’m working behind the reference desk. Just reading the headline article makes me feel better connected with the worlds of children’s librarians and children’s literature. Many of the articles give statistics from studies that help promote the importance of youth literacy and school/children’s libraries. The author interviews are great, too. I mean really, is there any other group of people who come across as quirky, fun, and enthusiastic as children and young adult book authors? The comment section at the end of every article gives readers a chance to engage in a dialogue about the article’s content. I really enjoy seeing what’s on the minds of librarians from around the country.
There are also blogs that are affiliated with SLJ. These blogs can be accessed from the website’s main page. My current favorite is A Chair, A Fireplace, & a Tea Cozy written by librarian Elizabeth Burns. She has been at this blogging thing for so long (and happens to do it very well) that publishers send her advance copies of their upcoming YA books. Burns writes reviews of said books on her blog. It’s a great place to get an alternate opinion on new books that are coming out. Burns has a knack for pulling out relevant tween themes in an array of plot lines. Also, her writing is clean, and just plain good.
No comments:
Post a Comment