Somewhere between the birth of the Information Age and our current age of misinforma- tion, the primary and prominent role of librarians being a reading advocate was margin- alized. At the same time, we’ve seen a growth in testing, which relies on an ability to read, read well, and read critically. Recently the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores were released, and the International Literacy Association wrote a report, which began as follows: Concerns that reading scores of U.S. students have remained flat for the past decade have surfaced again along with suggestions about the source of this problem and how it might be remedied.1 Librarians all over America have been rallying for reading, but our voice seems to have been muffled by technology and test preparation. Dare we claim that the pendulum needs to swing back and recognize that our elementary students need to return to “learning to read and reading to learn”? Dare we advocate for increasing the volume of reading as a solution? Don’t get me wrong—I am a technology advocate and spent four years programming for an international company prior to getting an MLIS. I know the power and promi- nence of technology. But I also recognize that reading may be the weakest link https:// www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/ila-exploring-the-2017- naep-reading-results.pdf 20 March, 2019 in our educational chain right now. Reading well and reading critically will prepare kids for success as well as testing. It will also prepare them for life. By building a stronger reading program in your school, you will be supporting your buildings’ educational goals. Don’t marginalize your role. Librarians are the keepers of the keys. Now is the time to strive for students to read more, to read deeply and critically, and to experience the joy of finding a great book. If you are looking for ways to strengthen the reading program within your school or community, then this book is a must-read. If you are looking for ways to connect to your community and collaborate with classrooms, you will find a plethora of ideas to replicate. Bridget carefully explains and details the research and reasons behind her winning ideas. Foreword
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