How Literacy Coaches and Principals Can Support Classroom Libraries

By |May 18th, 2023|

Students fall in love with reading when they have access to diverse books across a wide range of interest areas. As teachers work to expand classroom libraries and boost reading achievement, they need support from administrators and literacy coaches who understand how a robust classroom library leads to academic success. Consider how a robust classroom […]

13 Questions to Ask When Choosing New Books for Classroom Libraries

By |April 20th, 2023|

Whether you’re freshening up existing classroom libraries or starting a classroom library from scratch, consider how the books you choose will help students develop a lifelong love of reading. Here are some key questions to keep in mind when selecting titles for a classroom library.

1. Are there enough books in this classroom library?

The […]

11 Categories to Consider for a Diverse & Inclusive Classroom Library

By |January 19th, 2023|

Building an inclusive classroom library is one of the best ways to promote a positive classroom community where all readers feel seen, heard and understood. As you work to select titles that ensure representation, it’s important to consider many different types of diversity.

Race & Ethnicity

While race refers to what someone looks like and their […]

Why Incidental Diversity is Important in Classroom Libraries + Booklist

By |January 17th, 2023|

The movement for more diversity and inclusion in fiction isn’t new, but because of current events and demands for social justice and equality, it has become more urgent. Not only are people more aware and talking about it, but new diverse books are also being published with more regularity. A significant difference between these books […]

Booksource’s 2022 Literacy Takeaways

By |December 20th, 2022|

Booksource Banter Blog helps educators select the best classroom library books for their students, manage their classroom libraries and foster engaged reading. Here’s a roundup of the best literacy takeaways of this year!

1. The Lifelong Benefits of Reading

While strong reading skills support academic success, engaged reading benefits students long after they leave the […]

A Letter to You, From Mr. Schu

By |December 1st, 2022|

Popular children’s book author John Schu, aka Mr. Schu, sent us a letter, and it’s addressed to you! Read his thoughts on the benefits of read alouds and sharing stories in the classroom and learn more about his recent books.

Dear Colleague,  

I am writing you this message on October 11, 2022, from 32,000 feet […]

22 Best Books of 2022 for Classroom Libraries

By |November 17th, 2022|

2022 gave us the gift of amazing books and series across countless topics, written by authors from many cultures and experiences. Our literacy experts had to make some tough choices to narrow the list to 22 of the best recommended books to include in classroom libraries. Check out our favorite educational, thought-provoking, touching and funny […]

Books That Help Students Engage in Democracy

By |November 3rd, 2022|

We ask 18-year-olds to vote without much direction on how it all works or why it’s important to participate. Help prepare students to be active participants in the political process and engage in civil discourse as adults by sharing books that teach students about democracy.

1. The Bill of Rights by Kirsten Chang

Interest level: K-3After the […]

25 Books From Native American Voices for Native American Heritage Month

By |October 27th, 2022|

As you grow your classroom library and use Booksource Classroom’s LibraryLens® tool to improve its diversity, make sure you are including books from Native American authors and illustrators. Today’s most influential titles reflect both historic and current events experienced by Native Americans. These books often raise awareness for important contemporary Native American causes. Including more […]

14 Spooky, Scary and Silly Halloween Books to Engage Readers

By |October 20th, 2022|

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share these spooky, high-interest titles with students. When kids connect with the books they’re reading, they’re more likely to view reading as a fun and positive experience, which sets them up to be stronger readers and more successful students across all subject areas. Add […]