‘I Want My Hat Back’ by Jon Klassen

One of the pleasures of reading aloud to students is being able to share stories that have been recognized as exceptional works of children’s literature. One example is Jon Klassen’s picture book, I Want My Hat Back. Klassen was honored this past April as the 2026 Laureate for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

Cultural competence and library leadership

As someone currently working as a library paraprofessional, I don’t know what’s “in the cards” for me as my library career unfolds. Will I seek or be called to formal leadership?

Book-Talk: Clementine H. Hopeful is Not a Hero

I related very strongly to protagonist Clementine in Noah Corey’s debut novel, which combines elements of fantasy with the intense day-to-day concern of trying to survive bullying. I’d love to see this book placed widely in libraries.
https://youtu.be/ng9fhq6r0H4

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My UCM extracurricular experiences

I spent time this weekend applying for scholarships through the University of Central Missouri. Filling out the application offered me a chance to reflect on my experiences as a UCM graduate student.

Let’s build a Community of Readers (2026)

“When children see the adults around them using reading and writing in their everyday lives, they’re more likely to become readers and writers themselves.” — How to Create a Literate Home: Young Child and Kindergartener, PBS Kids, March 26, 2012. I created flyers for coworkers at SRCSA to display a book that they are currently reading. My design is based on one by librarian Andrea Trudeau.
https://youtu.be/HxMp9YuJ-kI