The Whole-School Community Read - by Margaux Delguidice-Calemmo & Jeannette Balantic (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive resource for librarians and teachers who want to implement a whole-school community reading program in their schools.

Community reading programs can foster a love of reading, increase student engagement, build a community of readers, and simultaneously improve literacy. Yet, it can be daunting to begin a new program at a busy school. This guidebook provides a clear roadmap for librarians and teachers who wish to try a whole-school community reading program with all ages of learners.

Beginning with a history of whole-school reads, authors DelGuidice-Calemmo and Balantic describe how a community reading program can work for students at all levels-and promote family connections through reading. They offer advice on finding funding, building successful collaborations within the school community, and allowing students to have a voice in book selection. Marketing, makerspace, and promotion ideas help encourage participation. Learn how to use informal checkpoints and a final celebration to sustain and celebrate participants. Finally, come away with strategies to assess these programs and try variations to increase engagement. Appendixes of resources provide practical tools for those ready to begin planning their own program.

Review Quotes

"From the foreword:
DelGuidice-Calemmo and Balantic share their wisdom and experiences in this book, providing both the inspiration to take on the challenge and a manual for making it happen successfully for many others." --Sara Kelly Johns, Instructor, Syracuse University iSchool, USA

"As a school librarian, I've read many professional books about reading programs and school initiatives, but The Whole-School Community Read truly stands out. It takes a big idea and makes it feel completely doable, with clear steps and helpful advice every step of the way. The real-world examples, ready-to-use templates, and focus on inclusivity make it both meaningful and easy to implement. Even as our world grows more fast-paced and tech-driven, this book reminds us of the timeless power of stories to unite, inspire, and connect us. Award-winning school librarian Margaux DelGuidice-Calemmo and social studies coordinator Jeannette Balantic bring both heart and firsthand experience to every page. This is a resource I'll be recommending often." --Kristina A. Holzweiss, School Library Journal Librarian of the year and Library Journal Mover & Shaker

About the Author

Margaux DelGuidice-Calemmo, MLS, is the school librarian at Garden City High School, NY, USA, and a national speaker, author, and consultant.

Jeannette Balantic is the K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator in the Garden City School District, NY, USA.