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Acknowledgments xi Acknowledgments The best part about life is all the wonderful people you meet. I’ve been blessed to have a plethora of terrific people in my professional and personal lives. On a personal level, my husband, children, and grandchildren warm my heart on a daily basis. My book club friends have helped me see life with clearer vision. My friend Carrie Stewart volunteered hours in my school library and proofing this book. Professionally, I owe so much to so many people in my most recent school district: Collier County Public School District in Naples, Florida. The media specialists inspired me to work at being the best media specialist I could be. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with amazing teachers at Veterans Memorial Elementary (VME) School. Brigitte Thompson and her son, Kaiden, have been instrumental in supporting this book. Lisa Thune, the VME office manager, makes everyone she works with better. Chad Bullock, VME’s facilities manager, always helps cheerfully. Melody Singh, School Age Child Care site supervisor for VME, encouraged me to do makerspace activities with our students. The administrators have led with compassion and knowledge. A special thank you to Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton Associate Superintendent, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Peggy Aune Executive Director of Elementary Programs Jennifer Kincaid and VME principal Jessica Vieira. I spent the first part of my professional career in Indiana and was fortunate to work with amazing people there. Dr. John Ellis was the superintendent of Noblesville Schools in Noblesville, Indiana, when I started there. His commitment to students and libraries inspired everyone around him. While in Indiana, I started friendships with people who remain an important part of my life many years later. Leslie Preddy excited me about makerspaces and continues to show leadership to so many others. Robyn Young, high school media specialist extraordinaire, consistently exhibits enthusiasm and expertise. Carl Harvey, a standout person with everything he chooses to be a part of, continues to do amazing things for the profession. Kym Kramer prepares the next generation of media specialists. Penny Patterson exhibits a sense of humor and a depth of knowledge that has influenced many. I started my library career in New Castle Schools, New Castle, Indiana, and am grateful to O. C. Moore, assistant superintendent, for his commitment to students. Beth Schulte, Sharon Wissler, and Maybelle Grimm were experienced library media specialists there and were so gracious in accepting me and sharing their knowledge. I will be forever grateful to them.