Realistic Children’s Fiction: Loss & Grief, Death & Dying

How do you explain death and dying to your young child? I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, my sons were 3 and 6 years old. I struggled finding an age appropriate book I could read to them. I decided to explain what was going to happen to me in my own way and it helped them stay positive throughout the journey. I self-published our family’s story to help others get through the awful battle of fighting cancer.

5 Factors to keep in mind when offering Makerspace experiences in the Library

[originally published on MackinCommunity.com] As humans, we are moved to make things, using our hands and our brains. The school library can provide an outlet for all students to fuel engagement, creativity, and curiosity at the same time. A Makerspace in a school library is powerful. Here are five factors to keep in mind when … Continue reading 5 Factors to keep in mind when offering Makerspace experiences in the Library →

It was a Book before it was a Movie

[originally published on MackinCommunity.com] The holidays are a great time to go see a movie with family and friends. This season, there are several films that were books first. The classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (: 9780375938474, Gr PS-3) and Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers (: 9781328498847, Gr 5-7) have … Continue reading It was a Book before it was a Movie →

Building a Diverse Book Collection

Providing Windows, Mirrors, Sliding Glass Doors, and Beyond [originally published on MackinCommunity.com] Building a diverse collection of fiction, nonfiction, novels in verse, graphic novels, and biographies can be an overwhelming task. The books need to appeal to a wide variety of students that turn over every few years. Knowing how to spend your budget can … Continue reading Building a Diverse Book Collection →