This list of resources will be useful in the pursuit of school librarianship.
Virginia Association of School Librarians
Virginia Association of School Librarians. (2019). [Logo]. https://www.vaasl.org
The Virginia Association of School Librarians is a strong professional resource. They host conferences and help school librarians keep up with the latest trends. They also run the VA Reads program and support Virginia Reader’s Choice. The website has additional resources such as help if a book has been challenged in your library. There is also information about several scholarships that are available for members interested in continuing education.
Book Riot
Book Riot is a massive resource with podcasts, reviews, and recommendations for a wide variety of genres and age groups. Of particular interest are their monthly giveaways. They have a large number of newsletters that cover all things book related and allow you to browse by interest area. Their TBR (tailored book recommendation) service is a great gift idea.
Book Riot. (2022). [Header Image Logo]. https://bookriot.com
School Library Journal
Virginia Association of School Librarians. (2019). [Logo]. https://www.vaasl.org
School Library Journal is an amazing resource, with large sections covering topics such as diversity and censorship. Their website format is easily digestible and allows you to find information on your interest area efficiently. As they are geared specifically for school libraries and school librarian needs, this is a resource I anticipate using more than most. I am particularly anxious to become a member after graduation to continue to access their book reviews.
American Association of School Librarians
AASL is the national professional organization for school librarians. There is a lot on this site, but I particularly like their list of digital resources and tools, geared for school librarians. There is large learning library with continuing education resources, all made with the school librarian in mind.
ALA. (2022). [AASL Logo]. https://www.ala.org/aasl/
Social Justice Books
Social justice books is a smaller resource within the larger Teaching for Change website. It has amazing multicultural book lists organized in an attractive and easy to use format. It is easy to find children’s books on just about any social justice topic for which you may be searching. Beyond the bookslists are guides to help you look at your book selections with an anti-bias slant, book reviews, and articles centered on diversity and activism.
I’m Your Neighbor
I’m your neighbor promotes conversation on modern immigration through promotion of children’s books. In addition to booklists organized by theme, it is an activist website. When issues arise in communities, I’m Your Neighbor will mail emergency rapid response book boxes to those communities. They also have welcoming libraries, meant to be loaned to libraries or organizations within specific regions.
moth written. (2022). [Logo]. https://imyourneighborbooks.org
Renovated Learning
Rendina, D. (2022). [Header Logo]. http://www.renovatedlearning.com
Renovated Learning is a well organized blog written by a school librarian in her journey to creating a school library makerspace. Her resources page is very informative for someone looking to start or expand a library makerspace. There are links to her conference presentations, her blog and lots of books on makerspaces. There are also pages on how to connect with students via social media. I particularly like the organization of her page. It is easy to use and navigate.
Ms. Yingling Reads
Ms. Yingling is often updated blog written by a middle school librarian who has read every fiction book in her school library. Her blog reviews feature books for middle grade readers, but she also reviews picture books and books geared towards younger children as well. She has the blog well organized by genre, and has an amazing list of other blogs to explore and follow. This is an great resource for school librarians looking for a fresh take or new material.
Ms. Yingling. (n.d.). [Logo]. http://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com