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From Cover to Cover (revised Edition) by
An invaluable resource for professionals who wish to write book evaluations--and for all serious fans of children's literature! This revised edition of From Cover to Cover offers a fresh, up-to-date look at some of the best examples of children's literature and also includes practical advice on how to write clearly articulated, reasoned opinions so that others can learn about books they have not yet read. A brief, updated introduction clearly explains how children's books evolve from manuscripts into bound books and the importance of the many different parts of a book (jacket flaps, title page, copyright, etc.) and changes in the children's book industry, such as the creation of two new major genre awards. In addition, the author demonstrates how to think about and critically evaluate several different genres of children's books. Included are sections about books of information (and the author's responsibility to document sources); traditional literature (myths, legends, tall tales, folktales); poetry, verse, rhymes, and songs; picture books; easy readers and traditional books; and fiction and graphic novels. There is also a concluding chapter on how to write reviews that are both descriptive and analytical, including a segment on children's literature blogs. Updated material includes: *An introduction that reflects the many changes in the children's book industry *A section on genres, including a discussion of graphic novels *A section on children's literature blogs *An introduction of two new major genre awards: the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award and the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award *And more than 90% of the books cited have been updated from the first edition to more recent publications!
The Weeding Handbook by
Weeding can be a controversial subject. But, as Booklist editor, librarian, and blogger Rebecca Vnuk puts it, "A library is an ever-changing organism. Weeding helps the library thrive." In Weeding: A Shelf-by-Shelf Guide, Vnuk has written the definitive guide to weeding library collections the right way. Building on her series of popular Booklist articles on weeding, Vnuk takes the stress out of weeding, providing practical and thoughtful strategies for why and how to weed.
Youth collections need a special approach when it comes to weeding. Learn tips and tricks that will increase the appeal of your collections! We'll talk about creating structured calendars for collection maintenance, discuss topics and formats that need updating on a regular basis, and chat about creative ways to use review journals to help you plan.
Erin Downey Howerton (MA, MSLIS) is currently Youth Services Manager at the Wichita Public Library and has worked in public libraries for over 15 years. She specializes in youth collections, intellectual freedom, and technology. Howerton has participated in many ALA committees over the years, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award and the Printz Award. Recently, she served as chair of the Booklist Editorial Advisory Board and on the REFORMA 2020 Noche de Cuentos committee.
We all know that there are outdated and racist classics on our shelves. These books reflect a homogenous past, yet they still thrive in an ostensibly multicultural present. How do we hold fast to intellectual freedom while solidifying our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness? Nashville Public Library spent a year asking that question and the resulting work can be replicated by other libraries seeking to apply an anti-racist lens to their collections. Join us as Klem-Marí Cajigas and Lindsey Patrick-Wright offer insight and suggestions for us to re-evaluate our own collections.
Klem-Marí Cajigas is the Family Literacy Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life!, Nashville Public Library’s award-winning early literacy outreach program. She has been with Nashville Public Library since 2012, after more than a decade of academic training in Religious Studies and Ministry, including doctoral work at Vanderbilt University.
Lindsey Patrick-Wright was formerly the Youth Services and Continuing Education Coordinator for TSLA. She has been at Nashville Public Library for 9 years now, first managing the Children's Department and is currently managing the Southeast Branch. 
Book evaluation is different from book reviewing. An evaluation is a critical assessment of a title. There are many questions you may ask yourself to help you form an opinion about the book. A review is a formal written expression of the critical assessment, and the purpose is to guide purchasers in selecting materials for their collections and to help readers decide if the book appeals to them. Book evaluation skills can assist you whether you are purchasing new titles, recommending titles, creating displays, and/or weeding your collection.