I looked back on my first year as a school librarian (21st year of teaching middle school), and I have to say—no matter what happens to me next year or beyond—I was successful THIS year. NOTHING to do with TEST SCORES, but I built up readers and spread the book love.
On April 7th, Kwame Alexander surprised a child reader (and his teachers) from my soon-to-be-closed school. He and Hafeez and Randy drove the REBOUND bus to this 5th grader’s house and allowed this child to see firsthand what meeting an author and being a reader means. Reading saves lives. Reading is fun. Reading can and will lead you to a successful future.
Even though I couldn’t be there, these awesome teachers and a Newbery-winning author made this child’s day! THANK YOU, Kwame and Hafeez, for all the coordinating and all the bugging you had to put up with (from me) to make that day happen. THANK YOU for coming to South Bend, IN! THANK YOU for supporting students and reading.
LOVE LOVE LOVE from this school librarian.
Reading Teacher Writes 
April 17, 2018 at 8:07 PM
How amazing!
April 17, 2018 at 8:47 PM
Wow, I love this line: “I built up readers and spread the book love.” Put it on your vita. I felt a touch of sadness–a soon to be closed school. ? And what a wonderful celebration with Kwame Alexander!
April 17, 2018 at 10:34 PM
Thank you! I think I WILL place that quote on my vita. Thank you for the suggestion. It’s been such a great year.
I’ll miss my co-workers, but we will all move on. Nature of the beast.
April 18, 2018 at 11:22 AM
Yes. Just today heard from a dear professional friend whose position got cut. Now she has to figure out ? a new position ?
April 17, 2018 at 9:21 PM
Great post, Jennifer. Kwame is one cool guy! Wish Montana was on the tour. 🙂 While you may not know your future, I know that there is a school out there that is going to be very lucky to have you!
April 17, 2018 at 10:32 PM
You are too kind! Thank you! And yes, Kwame was so nice to my co-workers and student!