Unleashing the Bookworms! | Stacks and Stories

Welcome back to Stacks and Stories, featuring AOSR's dynamic librarian duo, Kathy Kramer (secondary) and Laura Gordon (elementary)! In this exciting episode, we're diving into the thrilling world of our annual Battle of the Books competition with our enthusiastic 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Just like exploring the powerful combination of text and visuals in graphic novels, Battle of the Books encourages our students to engage with diverse literary landscapes. This year, they've immersed themselves in three fantastic reads: the non-fiction deep dive of "History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics," the enchanting fantasy of "The Tale of Despereaux," and the compelling realistic fiction of "Ghost."

Our librarians explain how this program pushes students beyond their comfort zones, encouraging those who love fantasy to delve into non-fiction and vice versa. They become true experts on each book, collaborating in teams of four to conquer the elimination rounds (taking place today!). The stakes are high as they prepare for the final Jeopardy-style battle on May 20th, where big prizes await the winning teams from each grade level.

🔑 Topics covered include: – The power of reading across diverse genres and expanding literary horizons – How teamwork and collaboration enhance comprehension and critical thinking – The excitement and friendly competition that fuels a love of reading – Turning reading into an active and engaging "sport" for all participants – Building a school-wide culture of enthusiastic readers, even taking book discussions onto field trips! – The creative fun of decorating team hats and celebrating reading together.

📚 Bonus Announcement! Get ready for a literary double feature! Our Secondary School Book Fair with The Little Reader Store of Rome is happening this Thursday, featuring YA and adult titles for all. Then, join us at our annual Mayfair celebration on Saturday for another book fair in the Elementary Library (books for all ages!) and a used book sale with proceeds benefiting our libraries. Come support reading and our amazing library programs!

📍 About AOSR: The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) is a leading international school in Italy, offering an American-International education from Pre-K to Grade 12. Our dedicated librarians foster a love of reading in all its forms, creating engaging programs like Battle of the Books to inspire a lifelong passion for literature.

#Books #Reading #BookRecommendations #AOSR #InternationalSchoolLibrary #SchoolLibraians #AOSRLibrarians #StacksandStories #LibraryPodcast #EducationInRome #InternationalEducation

Graphic Novels: More Than Just Pictures! | Stacks and Stories

Welcome back to Stacks and Stories featuring AOSR's elementary librarian Laura Gordon and secondary librarian Kathy Kramer. In this episode, the librarians delve deep into one of their absolute favorite topics: graphic novels.

They explain why graphic novels are essential reading, emphasizing that they utilize both visual and text languages to engage readers in powerful ways. From ancient traditions to modern storytelling, the episode explores the incredible benefits and diverse genres found within the world of graphic novel.

The librarians discuss how graphic novels can serve as gateway books, introduce historical fiction, help young readers see themselves in stories, and even make complex classics like Romeo and Juliet accessible. They clarify the key differences between comic strips and graphic novels, highlighting why this medium offers something for every reader.

🔑 Topics covered include: – Why graphic novels ARE real reading and utilize both sides of the brain – The surprising history of graphic storytelling – How visual language enhances understanding and comprehension – Graphic novels as gateway books to longer narratives – Exploring diverse genres within graphic novels: memoirs, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and more – The crucial distinction between comic strips and graphic novels – Recommendations for great first graphic novels and engaging reads

📍 About AOSR: The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) is a leading international school in Italy, offering an American-International education from Pre-K to Grade 12. The school's library program is dedicated to fostering a love of reading in all formats and providing resources that support diverse learners and interests.

#GraphicNovels #Books #Reading #BookRecommendations #AOSR #InternationalSchoolLibrary #SchoolLibraians #AOSRLibrarians #StacksandStories #LibraryPodcast #EducationInRome #InternationalEducation

Welcome to Stacks and Stories, the official podcast of the American Overseas School of Rome. In this episode, secondary librarian Kathy Kraemer and elementary librarian Laura Gordon break down the real role of school librarians in international education today. Fresh from a European school librarian conference, they talk about everything from artificial intelligence and library curriculum design to student reading habits, collection development, and even book repair (yes, there’s a book hospital!).

If you think librarians just talk about books and wear cardigans, think again. This episode explores how AOSR’s libraries support student learning, promote reading for pleasure and stamina, and collaborate with teachers to build 21st-century research and information skills. 🔑

Topics covered include:

– What really happens at an international librarian conference

– The role of libraries in student learning

– How librarians teach research and AI literacy

– Collection development and weeding of outdated books

– Building reading stamina from elementary through high school

– Promoting reading for pleasure and choice

– Behind-the-scenes work in school libraries

📍 About AOSR: The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) is a leading international school in Italy, offering an American-International education from Pre-K to Grade 12. Our library program supports students at every stage of learning through innovative programming and a focus on lifelong reading.

In this first episode, you’ll get to know the brains behind the bookshelves. Think of it as part coffee chat, part behind-the-scenes tour, and part book club with people who know their Dewey Decimal from their Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They’ll share what they’re reading, how students surprise them (sometimes with overdue books from three years ago), and how libraries have become more about connection than just collection.

You’ll hear a few laughs, a few confessions, and maybe even pick up a book rec or two (don’t say we didn’t warn you when your to-read list explodes). If you’ve ever had a favorite reading spot, gotten emotionally wrecked by a middle grade novel, or wondered if librarians have a secret society (spoiler: they might), this one’s for you.