For the Love of Reading

April 1, 2015

In this era of increasing digital distractions, this timely and helpful how-to book provides a useful manual for starting promotional book programs at K-8 school libraries. Baumann, who teaches at the University of Missouri School of Information Science and Technology, provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for each promotional activity. The book is split up into categories broadly based on the target age demographic, such as the "Beary Special Readers Program" for young children and "Mock Newbery Club" or "Battle of the Books" for slightly older readers. Although specifically aimed towards school libraries, many of the options can be adapted easily for public libraries, such as the "Book Swap" or the "One Book One School Community Read." Each category provides a brief overview of the project's purpose and goals (helpful when seeking administrative approval or professional evaluation), a materials list, and, most importantly, step-by-step schedules and planning, including actual handouts and samples that can be copied and used. Even if some of the ideas aren't completely new, Baumann's presentation of specific lesson plans, fliers, and possible pitfalls is useful for the school librarian or public library practitioner. The only flaw is the lack of programs for the high school level. Although the title of this book indicates that it's aimed at those who work with elementary and middle schoolers, the book's introduction, which emphasizes the decrease in the number of teenagers reading for pleasure, suggests that the book might also address the needs of secondary school students. VERDICT This is an excellent resource for elementary and middle school librarians who want ideas for their day-to-day running of the library. -Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.