The Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom ­Library: Building a Collection That Inspires, ­Engages, and Challenges Readers

Curating a classroom library can be a difficult task, especially considering all the moving parts that go into running a classroom in the first place. Teachers are constantly changing physical spaces and age groups and battling administration for financial support for their personal vision. Miller and Sharp offer a practical guide that aims to break down the process of creating a classroom library that will maximize student engagement and visual appeal. Sandwiched between research-based information about the importance of equitable access in the classroom and beyond, and a general dissection of how to achieve an appealing offering for all students regardless of their reading level, Miller interviews classroom and library professionals who offer insight into the day-to-day process of delivering a fruitful experience for providing in-class resources for all students. Although the book seems a bit pieced-together at times, and perhaps a bit slight for the price tag, it does come with valuable advice about applying for grants, navigating both overt and silent censorship, and evaluating a classroom library through a process that will be beneficial for children. The sage advice coming from the interviewed professionals in the field is worth a read. This book gives applicable suggestions on how to weed, purchase, and organize a classroom library.